CircuitPro PM 2.1. Compendium. Order code:

Transcription

1 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Compendium Order code:

2

3 LPKF Laser & Electronics AG Osteriede 7 D Garbsen Germany Phone Fax info@lpkf.com Internet

4 Editor LPKF Laser & Electronics AG Osteriede 7 D Garbsen Germany Phone: Fax: info@lpkf.com Order no. File name CircuitPro PM 2.1_HB_V1.0_ENG Version 1.0 Date created Copyright 2014 LPKF AG This document and its contents in whole and in part are subject to copyright. The reproduction, translation or duplication of the contents as photocopy or any digital form requires written permission of LPKF AG. Translation of the German original document

5 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Information about this document Information about this document General This document contains all information for installation, putting into operation, operation, and maintenance or trouble-shooting of the system delivered. This document is intended for persons with basic knowledge of installation and operation of softwarecontrolled machines. General knowledge of operational safety as well as basic knowledge of using PCs running Microsoft Windows are required. Availability A complete and legible copy of this document must be available at the operation station. Any person who is authorised to operate the system must have read and understood this document. The facility owner is required to ensure that all safety measures listed in this document are observed. Notations Various text attributes, notations, and structures are used to facilitate reading and understanding the document. The text attributes (highlighting) inside this document are defined as follows: Attribute Bold Italics Bold italics [ ] Function Important information Brand name LPKF brand name Button \...\ Input/display field < > { } > > > / / Check box Radio button Menu trail Reference to a number in the figure Figures Figures (photos or drawings) are displayed in a frame. Each figure has a numbered figure title, e. g. Fig. 1: Overview. Numbers in the figure mark certain components or actions. Arrows in the figure show the direction of an action. Tables Data, facts, and important contexts are arranged in tables. Each table has a numbered table title, e. g. Table 1: Scope of delivery. Every table has a highlighted header row containing the column headings LPKF AG V

6 Information about this document CircuitPro PM 2.1 Procedures In this document, procedures or workflows are compiled to step-by-step operation sequences. An individual operation sequence consists of at least three components: Title, step, and result Component title Description Description of the objective of the procedure marked by a preceding 1. step Consecutively numbered sequence of an procedure intermediate result Intermediate result of an operation step. The procedure continues. Registered Trademarks and Brand names The LPKF Logo and the LPKF product names are registered trademarks of LPKF Laser & Electronics AG. Microsoft and Windows are brand names or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the USA and/or other countries. All other trademarks belong to the respective owner. Standards The following standards and guidelines were observed when creating this document: result Symbols and signal words Result of the procedure marked by a preceding The following symbols are used to mark important information: Symbol Description Safety note WARNING Hazard for persons CAUTION Damage to the system Note A note is an information on the optimum usage of a feature. Tip A tip contains additional information. Copyright Registered Trademark Standard DIN VDI 4500 Bl.1, DIN EN DIN EN ISO DIN EN Description Rules for writing and layouting Technical documentation - Definitions and legal basics Preparation of instructions for use. Structuring, content and presentation. General principles and detailed requirements Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assessment and risk reduction Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of machines - Part 1: General requirements 6 V LPKF AG

7 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Contents Contents 1 Function Safety notes General safety notes Installation System requirements Installing and starting the software Machine setup Structure of the user interface User interface Views CAM View Toolbar CAM view Machining view E Machining view S Machining view S63/S Machining view ProtoMat D Toolbar Machining view D View Toolbar 3D view Toolbars Toolbar Standard Toolbar Insert Toolbar Modify Toolbar Prototyping Toolbar Layout Panes Layers Geometry Toolpath Processing Properties Tool Info Navigation Camera (only if a camera is connected) Messages Fault Monitor LPKF AG V

8 Contents CircuitPro PM How to work with CircuitPro PM Menu File New Open Recent files Save Save As Save As Template Import Import 3D shape Import toolpath Recent files imported Recent files 3D Export Print preview Print Export to image Exit Menu Edit Undo Redo Cut Copy Insert Material properties Material placement Material Settings Tool magazine ProtoMat D Tool magazine ProtoMat E33/S43 (manual tool change) Tool magazine ProtoMat S63/S Tool library Aperture list library Design Rule Check Measure Distance Set anchor point Set Zero Point Move anchor to center point Move layer to zero Match up layers Match up objects Delete V LPKF AG

9 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Contents 5.3 Menu Insert Open path Closed path Polygon Rectangle Circle Circle path Flash Text Polygon with cutouts Copper pouring Rubout area Fiducial Topography Drill hole Milling curve Menu Toolpath Dispense Create 2.5D milling Technology Dialog Edit breakout tabs Menu Modify Close open path Combine open path Convert to polygon Convert to closed path Draw to flash Combine to flash Compare to flash Explode flash D operations Transform Rotate/Mirror relative Step Repeat Menu View Menu Select Menu Wizards Equipment configuration wizard Process planning wizard Board Production Wizard Dispense Preparation Wizard Dispense process wizard Menu Machining Process all Stop processing Production phase LPKF AG V

10 Contents CircuitPro PM Placement Fiducials Measure milling width ProtoMat E33/S Measure milling width ProtoMat S63/S Measure milling ProtoMat D Alignment (only if camera is present) Drill reference holes Service Determining the camera head offset Teach tool-holder positions Connect Menu Camera Options Actions Movement Overlay Search Menu Extras Options Customize Menu Help Help About System information Appendix Table of figures List of tables Index V LPKF AG

11 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Function 1 1 Function The system software LPKF CircuitPro PM is a powerful application that combines two important components of PCB production: Editing of design data and machine control. The circuit board plotters made by LPKF are controlled with this application running on Windows computers. LPKF CircuitPro PM imports your CAD data, aperture and tool lists and guides you step by step through the production of your PCB. Design data will be split up into the separate work steps and prepared for the production process. The integrated wizards will guide you through the whole PCB production process. They will inform you whenever you have to take action (e.g. manual tool change or turning over the material for producing a double-sided PCB). Use the Design Rule Check for checking the width and the spacing of the conductor tracks. Violations of the rules will be shown in the message view and graphically in the CAM View. Thus, you can make corrections before starting the production process. The current milling status and position are shown in the machining view, so that you can always keep an eye on the production process and progress. LPKF CircuitPro PM allows you to create templates for solder resist masks and legend printing. Additionally the software supports the automatic tool exchange with tool adjustment (depending on the machine type). The basic operation of the Windows graphical user interface is not part of this manual. If you are not familiar with using Windows, please refer to the Windows user manual and online help. Fig. 1: LPKF CircuitPro PM 2014 LPKF AG V

12 2 Safety notes CircuitPro PM Safety notes The following chapter describes the most important safety notes while working with the software CircuitPro PM and the circuit board plotter. 12 V LPKF AG

13 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Safety notes General safety notes Note The usage of the software CircuitPro PM without the circuit board plotter has a low risk potential. Follow the safety notes! DANGER If you do not follow the safety notes injuries or accidents may occur. Read the manuals of the circuit board plotter and accordingly the control software carefully and follow the safety notes. Pay attention to a secure data transfer! DANGER A malfunction or interruption of data transmission between the PC and the circuit board plotter can cause uncontrolled machine reactions. Check the connection and replace defective or damaged cables immediately. Secure the machine against accidental switching on! DANGER Personal injuries may occur during manual tool exchange or maintenance if the machine is accidentally switched on. Always secure the machine against unauthorized use and accidental switching on. Follow the safety regulations! CAUTION The non-observance of the operational and regulatory health and safety regulations can cause serious personal injuries. Make sure that each operator knows the operational and regulatory health and safety regulations. Handling only by trained personnel! DANGER Improper operation of the machine can cause serious personal injuries. Instruct each user in handling the machine LPKF AG V

14 3 Installation CircuitPro PM Installation This chapter describes how to install the CircuitPro PM program. 3.1 System requirements The following system requirements must be met for installing CircuitPro PM successfully: Minimum system requirements for working with CircuitPro PM Table 1: Minimum system requirements Component CPU RAM Hard disk memory Graphics board Screen resolution Minimum system requirements 2 GHz 2 GB 2 GB with 128 MB dedicated memory (nonshared memory) LPKF advises against using the following graphics boards as these cause problems: Intel 82945G 1024 x 768 pixels USB port 2 x USB 2.0 Supported operating systems Windows XP (32bit) and newer (Note: CircuitPro PM does not fully run under Windows XP (64bit).) Recommended system configuration for working with CircuitPro PM Table 2: Recommended system configuration Component CPU RAM Hard disk memory Graphics board Screen resolution Recommended system configuration Dual core 2.6 GHz 8 GB 2 GB with 1 GB dedicated memory (nonshared memory) LPKF advises against using the following graphics boards as these cause problems: Intel 82945G 1680 x 1050 pixels USB port 2 x USB 2.0 Operating system Windows 7 (64bit) 14 V LPKF AG

15 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Installation 3 Note If you are using the Microsoft Windows 8 operating system, please install the Microsoft.NET Framework 3.5 contained on your Windows 8 DVD before installing CircuitPro PM 2.1. The Microsoft.NET Framework 3.5 cannot be installed automatically in Microsoft Windows 8 due to changes in the operating system. For further information on installing the Microsoft.NET Framework 3.5 please refer to LPKF AG V

16 3 Installation CircuitPro PM Installing and starting the software Improper installation causes machine damage! ATTENTION An incorrect or incomplete installation of the software can cause damage to the machine. LPKF assumes no liability for damage to the machine caused by improper software installation. Note Please make sure that the machine is not connected to the computer. The USB cable must not be connected! Installing CircuitPro PM 1. Switch on the PC. 2. Open the CD ROM drive and insert the CD ROM CircuitPro PM into the drive. The CD ROM is read. The LPKF setup wizard starts automatically and the installation and update information is displayed in your browser's window: Fig. 2: Installation and update information 3. Close the browser window displaying the installation and update information. 16 V LPKF AG

17 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Installation 3 Fig. 3: LPKF setup wizard 4. Click on [Next] to start the installation procedure. Note Navigating in the installation program is done by clicking on [Back] and [Next]. Click on [Back] to go to the previous installation step. Click on [Next] to go to the next installation step. The installation is aborted by clicking on [Cancel]. Fig. 4: License agreement 5. Read the terms of the license agreement and click on {I Agree}. 6. Click on [Next] LPKF AG V

18 3 Installation CircuitPro PM 2.1 In the following step, you can choose the folder where CircuitPro PM is to be installed: Fig. 5: Choosing the installation folder Hinweis When using Windows 7, the installation stores the program data by default in: C:\Program Files (x86)\lpkf Laser & Electronics\LPKF CircuitPro PM 2.1\. When using Windows XP, the installation stores the program data by default in: C:\Programme\LPKF Laser & Electronics\LPKF CircuitPro PM 2.1\. Click on [Browse] to install the program data in a folder of your choice. Note Click on [Back] to review the settings of the previous screens. Click on [Cancel] to cancel the installation. 7. Click on [Next]. 18 V LPKF AG

19 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Installation 3 The dialog to confirm the installation is displayed: Fig. 6: Confirm installation 8. Click on [Next]. The installation of CircuitPro PM is started: Fig. 7: Installation of CircuitPro PM LPKF AG V

20 3 Installation CircuitPro PM 2.1 The program is being installed on the PC. Progress of the installation is displayed. During the Installation the following warning message is displayed: Fig. 8: Warning message 9. Acknowledge the warning message by clicking on [OK]. When the installation is complete, the following dialog is displayed: Fig. 9: Installation complete 10. Click on [Close] to exit the installation program. The CircuitPro PM program has been installed. Note A link to the CircuitPro PM program has been created on your desktop: 20 V LPKF AG

21 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Installation 3 Starting CircuitPro PM 1. Switch on the machine. 2. Boot the PC. The PC boots and starts the operating system. 3. Start CircuitPro PM. The following splash screen is displayed: Fig. 10: CircuitPro PM splash screen Note If you already had installed a previous version of CircuitPro on your computer, you can decide at this point whether to use your previous configuration files. This means that settings that are stored in the following folder are also applied to currently installed version CircuitPro PM Version 2.1: In Windows XP: C:\Programme\LPKF Laser & Electronics\LPKF CircuitPro 1.X\config In Windows 7: C:\Program Files (x86)\lpkf Laser & Electronics\LPKF CircuitPro 1.X\config. These settings apply among others to the language setting and the machine configuration. 4. In the list Version, click on the CircuitPro version whose configuration settings you want to use and subsequently click on [OK]. Or 4. Click on [Default] if you want to use the default settings of CircuitPro PM LPKF AG V

22 3 Installation CircuitPro PM 2.1 The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 11: New document 5. Select a template file. 6. Click on [OK]. The CircuitPro PM program is started and the user interface is displayed. 22 V LPKF AG

23 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Installation Machine setup After CircuitPro PM has been installed on your PC, it has to be configured once for the machine and the accompanying equipment. The equipment configuration wizard helps you setting up the machine. Fig. 12: Start-up screen Equipment configuration wizard Setting up the machine 1. Start CircuitPro PM. The equipment configuration wizard starts automatically. Note You can also start the equipment configuration wizard manually. Click in the menu bar of CircuitPro PM on Wizards>Equipment configuration wizard 2. Perform all the steps of the equipment configuration wizard and follow the corresponding instructions. The CAM view is displayed. The machine has been set up. The accompanying available equipment for producing PCB prototypes has been configured as well LPKF AG V

24 3 Installation CircuitPro PM 2.1 Tip Language settings CircuitPro PM is installed in English by default. If you want to change the language setting of CircuitPro PM, perform the following steps: 1. Click on Extras > Options. 2. In the row Use OS culture, change the value to False. 3. Click on the row Language and change the value to the desired language. 24 V LPKF AG

25 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Structure of the user interface 4 4 Structure of the user interface 4.1 User interface The following pages describe in detail the structure of the CircuitPro PM user interface. The CircuitPro PM user interface is divided into several information and display panes that can be displayed or hidden as necessary. The user interface is structured as follows: Fig. 13:CircuitPro user interface LPKF AG V

26 4 Structure of the user interface CircuitPro PM 2.1 Table 3: User interface No. Pane Name /1/ Menu bar /2/ Standard toolbar /3/ Modify toolbar /4/ Prototyping toolbar /5/ Layouts toolbar /6/ Insert toolbar /7/ Layers The Layers pane contains a table listing the individual layers of the circuit board to be processed. /8/ Navigation The Navigation pane displays an overview of the project with a zoom rectangle. /9/ CAM view Editing pane displaying a 2D representation of the project. /10/ Status bar The status bar displays the coordinates of the current cursor position and of the anchor point. Measurement results are displayed in the Length field. 26 V LPKF AG

27 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Structure of the user interface Views In the following, the different views in CircuitPro PM are described in detail CAM View The CAM View allows you to regard the object to be processed two-dimensional and the corresponding layers. Move your cursor to menu View > CAM 2D or click CAM on the toolbar Layout to open the following window: Fig. 14: CAM View In this view you are able to regard both sides of the PCB. According to the colors in the pane "Layers" each object on the board is highlighted LPKF AG V

28 4 Structure of the user interface CircuitPro PM Toolbar CAM view The toolbar CAM view provides following icons: Fig. 15: Toolbar CAM view The following table provides a brief description of the toolbar s icons: Table 4: Toolbar CAM view No. Function description /1/ Polygonal Selection: Click on this icon to select objects by drawing polygons. The context menu offers extended functions if this icon is enabled. /2/ Selection: This arrow must be enabled to select or create objects in the CAM view. /3/ Fit all: Click on this icon to fit the whole layout into the CAM view. /4/ Zoom area: Click on this icon and select an area that will be zoomed in afterwards. /5/ Zoom: Click on this icon and move your mouse to zoom in/out the layout. /6/ Pan: Click on this icon to move your whole layout to a desired position. /7/ Global Pan: The currently zoomed area will be zoomed out by clicking on this icon. If you click on an area in the layout again, this area will be zoomed in. /8/ Set toolpath selection mode: Selects toolpaths within the created polygon. Three different modes are available: object, curve and element. Context menu Polygonal selection Displaying the context menu Polygonal selection 1 Click on the icon [Polygonal selection]. The polygonal selection is activated. 2 Right-click into the CAM view. 28 V LPKF AG

29 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Structure of the user interface 4 The following context menu is displayed: Fig. 16: Context menu Polygonal selection 1 2 /1/ Remove last point /2/ Select /3/ Cancel 3 The context menu Polygonal selection is displayed. The following table contains a brief description of the context menu's functions: Table 5: Context menu Polygonal selection No. Description /1/ Remove last point: Removes the point added last to the polygon. /2/ Select: Selects the objects within the polygon. /3/ Cancel: Cancels the creation of the polygon LPKF AG V

30 4 Structure of the user interface CircuitPro PM Machining view E33 The machining view enables you to regard your process data. Click on View > Machining 2D or click on the button Machining to open the machining view. Fig. 17: Machining view E /1/ Work area /3/ Object to be processed /2/ Axis of reflection /4/ Current head position If you start the production of a board the machine head s movement, displayed as a cross line, is shown in the machining view. 30 V LPKF AG

31 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Structure of the user interface Machining view S43 The machining view enables you to regard your process data. Click on View > Machining 2D or on the button Machining to open the machining view. Fig. 18: Machining view S /1/ Work area /3/ Obejct to be processed /2/ Axis of reflection /4/ Current head position If you start the production of a board the machine head s movement, displayed as a cross line, is shown in the machining view LPKF AG V

32 4 Structure of the user interface CircuitPro PM Machining view S63/S103 The machining view enables you to regard your process data. Click on View > Machining 2D or click on the button Machining to open the machining view. Fig. 19: Machining view S63/S /1/ Current head position /2/ Tool holder /3/ Work area /4/ Axis of reflection /5/ Object to be processed The tool magazine of the circuit board plotter can pick up to 15 different tools. According to the colors of the tool s distance rings of the LPKF tools, the circles in area /2/ are displayed in the same color. If you start the production of a layer, the machine head s movement, displayed as a cross line, is shown in the machining view. 32 V LPKF AG

33 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Structure of the user interface Machining view ProtoMat D104 The machining view enables you to regard your process data. Click on View > Machining 2D to open this view or click on Machining view in the toolbar Layout. Fig. 20: Machining view D /1/ Work area /4/ Object to be processed /2/ Tool holder /5/ Axis of reflection /3/ Current head position The tool magazine of the circuit board plotter can pick up to 15 different tools. According to the colors of the tool s distance rings of the LPKF tools, the circles in area /2/ are displayed in the same color. If you start the production of a layer, the machine head s movement, displayed as a cross line, is shown in the machining view LPKF AG V

34 4 Structure of the user interface CircuitPro PM Toolbar Machining view The toolbar Machining view provides following icons: Fig. 21: Toolbar Machining view The following table provides a brief description of the toolbar s icons: Table 6: Toolbar Machining view No. Function description /1/ Polygonal Selection: Click on this icon to select objects by drawing polygons. The context menu offers extended functions if this icon is enabled. /2/ Select: This arrow must be enabled to select or create objects in the machine view. /3/ Fit All only for Job Data: Only the job data is displayed. Other elements of the machining view are hidden. /4/ Fit All for both Job Data and Machine Area: Scales and fits in the layout so that the elements of the machining view stay visible. /5/ Zoom area: Click on this icon and select an area that will be zoomed in afterwards. /6/ Zoom: Click on this icon and move your mouse to zoom in/out the layout. /7/ Pan: Click on this icon to move your whole layout to a desired position. /8/ Global Pan: The currently zoomed area will be zoomed out by clicking on this icon. If you click on a area in the layout again, this area will be zoomed in. /9/ Set toolpath selection mode: Selects toolpaths within the created polygon. Three different modes are available: object, curve and element. Context menu Polygonal selection Displaying the context menu Polygonal selection 1 Click on the icon [Polygonal selection]. The polygonal selection is activated. 2 Right-click into the CAM view. 34 V LPKF AG

35 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Structure of the user interface 4 The following context menu is displayed: Fig. 22: Context menu Polygonal selection 1 2 /1/ Remove last point /2/ Select /3/ Cancel 3 The context menu Polygonal selection is displayed. The following table contains a brief description of the context menu's functions: Table 7: Context menu Polygonal selection No. Description /1/ Remove last point: Removes the point added last to the polygon. /2/ Select: Selects the objects within the polygon. /3/ Cancel: Cancels the creation of the polygon LPKF AG V

36 4 Structure of the user interface CircuitPro PM D View The 3D View allows you to regard the object to be processed threedimensional. Click on View > 3D View to open the following window: Fig. 23: 3D View Once you have imported a three-dimensional object, it will be shown in this view. Note Two-dimensional objects can also be shown in this 3D view. Therefore you have to highlight the corresponding toolpaths in the pane Toolpath and select Display in 3D in the context menu. 36 V LPKF AG

37 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Structure of the user interface Toolbar 3D view The toolbar 3D view provides following icons: Fig. 24: Toolbar 3D view The following table provides a brief description of the toolbar s icons: Table 8: Toolbar 3D view No. Function description /1/ Selection: This arrow must be enabled to select or create objects in the 3D view. /2/ Fit all: Click on this icon to fit the whole layout into the 3D view. /3/ Zoom area: Click on this icon and select an area that will be zoomed in afterwards. /4/ Zoom: Click on this icon and move your mouse to zoom in/out the layout. /5/ Pan: Click on this icon to move your whole layout to a desired position. /6/ Global Pan: The currently zoomed area will be zoomed out by clicking on this icon. If you click on a area in the layout again, this area will be zoomed in. /7/ Front view: Displays the front of the object. /8/ Top View: Displays the top side of the object. /9/ Left View: Displays the left side of the object. /10/ Rear View: Displays the rear side of the object. /11/ Right View: Displays the right side of the object. /12/ Bottom View: Displays the bottom side of the object. /13/ Axonometric View: Standard view that displays the object in a 30 angle. /14/ Rotate: Click on this icon to rotate your object in any direction by using your mouse. /15/ Reset View: Resets the current view of your object LPKF AG V

38 4 Structure of the user interface CircuitPro PM Toolbars Fig. 25: Toolbars CircuitPro PM s toolbars offer you a quick access to functions that are used most often. The following toolbars exist in CircuitPro PM: Standard Insert Modify Layouts Prototyping Note You are able to hide/display the toolbars. You can find this option under menu Tools > Customize Go to tab Toolbars and enable/disable the corresponding checkboxes. You can arrange the toolbars anywhere on the surface of CircuitPro PM. Changing the toolbar s position 1. Move the cursor to the top of the toolbar which is marked with several points. The cursor takes the shape of a cross. 2. Hold the left mouse button. 3. Move the toolbar to the desired location on the user interface. Note You can arrange the toolbar on the left, bottom, right or top of the user interface. 4. Release the left mouse button. The toolbar is now fixed at the desired location of the user interface. 38 V LPKF AG

39 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Structure of the user interface Toolbar Standard The toolbar Standard provides following icons: Fig. 26: Toolbar Standard The following table provides a brief description of the toolbar s icons: Table 9: Function description Standard No. Icon Function description /1/ New Creates a new document in CircuitPro PM. Either you are able to create a document based on a standard template or you browse your hard disk for own templates. /2/ Open Opens an existing CircuitPro PM document. /3/ Save Saves the currently edited document with all changes under the same name and location. /4/ Cut Cuts a selected area in the document. /5/ Copy Copies a selected area in the document. /6/ Paste Pastes the previously cut or copied region. /7/ Print Preview Opens a print preview of the current document. /8/ Print Opens the print dialogue. Make your settings for printing here. /9/ Undo Undo the last action in the document. /10/ Redo Redo the previously undone action. /11/ Delete Deletes the previously selected objects on the layer LPKF AG V

40 4 Structure of the user interface CircuitPro PM Toolbar Insert The toolbar Insert provides following icons: Fig. 27: Toolbar Insert The following table provides a brief description of the toolbar s icons: Table 10: Function description Insert No. Icon Function description /1/ Create open path Creates an open path in the CAM View. /2/ Create closed path Creates a closed path in the CAM View. /3/ Create polygon Creates a polygon in the CAM View. /4/ Create rectangle Creates a rectangle in the CAM View /5/ Create circle Creates a circle in the CAM View. /6/ Create circle path Creates a circle path in the CAM View. /7/ Create flash Creates a flash in the CAM View. /8/ Create text object Creates a text in the Cam View. /9/ Fiducial Creates fiducials in the CAM View. /10/ Rubout area Creates a rubout area. /11/ Create polygon with cutouts Creates a polygon with cutouts in the CAM View. /12/ Create copper pouring Creates copper pouring. /13/ Switch line mode to 90 Enable the line mode, if you want to draw a horizontal line. /14/ Switch line mode to 45 Activate the line mode if you want to draw a straight line with a slope of V LPKF AG

41 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Structure of the user interface Toolbar Modify The toolbar Modify provides following icons: Fig. 28: Toolbar Modify The following table provides a brief description of the toolbar s icons: Table 11: Toolbar Modify No. Icon Function description /1/ Close open path Closes an open path. /2/ Combine open paths Combines several open paths into a single open path. /3/ Convert closed path to polygon Converts the selected object to a polygon. /4/ Convert polygon to path Converts the selected object to a closed path. /5/ Draw to flash Converts a drawn object to a flash. /6/ Combine objects to flash Connects objects to a flash. /7/ Compare objects to flash Converts objects on the same layer that have the same form and size as the selected flash object into flash objects. /8/ Transformation Translates, rotates, scales and inverts objects and toolpaths. /9/ Rotate objects 90 counterclockwise around the anchor point /10/ Rotate objects 180 around the anchor point /11/ Rotate objects 270 counterclockwise around the anchor point Rotates the selected object 90 counterclockwise around the anchor point. Rotates the selected object 180 around the anchor point. Rotates the selected object 270 counterclockwise around the anchor point. /12/ Mirror objects along x axis Mirrors the object at the anchor point along the x axis. /13/ Mirror objects along y axis Mirrors the object at the anchor point along the y axis. /14/ Step and repeat The selected objects are duplicated with a defined distance, vector and count. /15/ Move selected objects Moves the selected object. /16/ Move a point or segment Moves a point or a segment. /17/ Cut a point or segment Cuts a point or a segment. /18/ Delete a point or segment Deletes a point or a segment. /19/ Create or move an arc Creates or moves an arc. /20/ Add a point or segment Adds a point or a segment LPKF AG V

42 4 Structure of the user interface CircuitPro PM Toolbar Prototyping The toolbar Prototyping provides following icons: Fig. 29: Toolbar Prototyping The following table provides a brief description of the toolbar s icons: Table 12: Function description Prototyping No. Icon Function description /1/ Process planning wizard Starts the process planning wizard. /2/ Import Imports all files of the formats CAM, Excellon, Gerber, GerberX, LMD, HPGL, DXF and Sieb & Meyer. /3/ Rubout area Inserts a rubout area in the CAM view. /4/ Fiducial Inserts fiducials in the CAM view. /5/ Technology Dialog Generates insulation and contour routing toolpaths. /6/ Tool magazine Opens the dialog to edit the contents of the tool magazine. /7/ Board Production Wizard Starts the Board Production Wizard. /8/ Tool library Opens the tool library Toolbar Layout The toolbar Layout provides following buttons: Fig. 30: Toolbar Layout 1 2 The following table provides a brief description of the toolbar s buttons: Table 13: Toolbar Layout No. Icon Function description /1/ CAM Distinction between the views CAM and Compact CAM. CAM: Displays all active views and panes. Compact CAM: Hides all views and panes except the CAM view and the panes Navigation and Layers. /2/ Machining Hides all views and panes except the machining view and the pane Processing. 42 V LPKF AG

43 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Structure of the user interface Panes CircuitPro PM allows arranging several individual panes on your screen. These are: Layers Geometry Toolpath Processing Properties Tool info Navigation Camera Messages Fault Monitor Arranging the panes 1. First, open the desired pane in the menu View. The pane is displayed at the left bottom of the main window of CircuitPro PM. 2. Double-click on the title bar of the pane. The pane is now detached. You are able to maximize/minimize the pane and to arrange it as desired. Fixing the pane 1. Click and hold the detached pane with the left mouse button. 2. Move the pane. In the main window of CircuitPro PM, icons appear at the top, bottom, right and left side. 3. Move the pane onto the icon at the desired window edge. Note Be sure to place the cursor exactly on the icon before you release the left mouse button. 4. Release the left mouse button. The pane is now fixed at the desired position LPKF AG V

44 4 Structure of the user interface CircuitPro PM Layers The pane Layers lists the required layers for your project. Depending on the template that you select at the beginning of your project, the number and type of the layers diversify. Click on View > Layers to open the pane Layers : Fig. 31: Pane Layers The following table provides a brief description of the pane s columns: Table 14: Columns in the pane Layers Column Name Visible Selectable Colors Mode Tech Inverse Phase [Z] Description Shows the name of the layer. The numbers shown in the brackets next to the layer name shows the number of the contained objects. Shows/hides the corresponding layer in CAM View. Enable this function to make the layer selectable in CAM View. In this column each layer is assigned to a colour. The layers colours shown in the CAM View match these colours in the column. This list enables you to determine in which display mode the layer shall be shown. Determine the layer s processing goal in this column. I.e. for example, if you select the value "Solder Paste", you determine that this layer will be processed with solder paste later on. Mills the inside of the objects on the source layer. Example: In a letter or a number the inner area is milled. Determines the phase in which the layer will be processed. Sorting function: sorts the layers by the display priority in Z direction. 44 V LPKF AG

45 , CircuitPro PM 2.1 Structure of the user interface Geometry The pane Geometry lists all apertures, which were imported from the Gerber and Excellon files. CircuitPro PM names the aperture list after the file name by default. Click on View > Geometry to open the pane Geometry. Fig. 32: Pane Geometry Toolpath The pane Toolpath shows the board s individual production phases. Click on View > Toolpath to open the pane Toolpath. Fig. 33: Pane Toolpath The phases are named after the production steps. After clicking on the arrow symbol to the left of a phase, the tools used for the phase are shown LPKF AG V

46 4 Structure of the user interface CircuitPro PM Processing Note Please note that several functions in sections Select a Head and Head actions are not available when using the ProtoMat S43/E33. Also note that in section Select a Head a laser head is available when using the ProtoMat D104. In the "Processing" pane you can control the processing head of the machine and determine its height. Click on View > Processing to open the pane Processing : Fig. 34: Pane Processing Table 15: Processing No. Button Description X/Y - positioning /1/ Distance entry to move the machine head in X and Y direction. Enter the distance in the combo box and click on the arrow buttons. Each click moves the machine head at the specified distance in the preferred direction. /1/ Move head to the basic position: Click on this button to move the machine head to the basic position. /1/ Move head to the pause position: Click on this button to move the machine head to the pause position. /1/ Move head to the zero position: Click on this button to move the machine head to the zero position. /1/ Enables moving the head to the position selected by mouse click in the machining view. 46 V LPKF AG

47 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Structure of the user interface 4 Table 15: Processing No. Button Description Z - positioning /2/ Distance entry to move the machine head in Z direction. Select head Enter the distance in the combo box and click on the arrow buttons. Each click moves the machine head at the specified distance in the preferred direction. /3/ Select the milling head as the active head. /3/ Select the camera head as the active head. /3/ Select the dispenser head as the active head. /3/ Select the laser head as the active head. Head actions /4/ Moves the machine head upwards or downwards. /4/ Switches the spindle on/off. /4/ Clean dispenser. The button is only visible when the dispenser has been selected as the active machine head. /4/ Switches the suction on/off. /4/ Executes the auto focus. /4/ Decreases the brightness of the camera. /4/ Increases the brightness of the camera LPKF AG V

48 4 Structure of the user interface CircuitPro PM 2.1 Process /5/ Starts processing. Please note the phase that is selected in the field below. /5/ Starts processing from the selected phase in the field below. /5/ Stops processing All subsequent phases are processed one after another. Tool info /6/ Displays the tool information for the tool that is currently located in the clamp. Fig. 35: Pane Properties Properties The pane Properties includes detailed information about the project. Click on View > Properties to open the pane Properties : In this pane you find information about the tools, too. If you click on an aperture in the pane Geometry, you will get information about it, such as shape and diameter. 48 V LPKF AG

49 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Structure of the user interface Tool Info The Tool Info pane displays the parameters of the tool located in the clamp. Click on display > Tool Info to open the Tool Info pane. Fig. 36: Pane Tool info The tool information displayed here is identical to the information provided in the tool library LPKF AG V

50 4 Structure of the user interface CircuitPro PM Navigation The pane Navigation is shown as soon as you have activated the CAM View or have clicked on View > Navigation: Fig. 37: Pane Navigation /1/ Magnifying glass icons /2/ Reset zoom /3/ Zoom bar You see the object to be processed in small format in this pane. If you click on a certain position using the mouse, you can zoom in on this position by means of the zoom function. The following functions are available: Minimise/enlarge the area selected with the mouse by using the +/- magnifying glass icons /1/. Minimise/enlarge the area selected with the mouse by using the zoom bar /3/. Reset the zoom or adapt the layout to the CAM view by clicking on button /2/. 50 V LPKF AG

51 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Structure of the user interface Camera (only if a camera is connected) The pane Camera enables you to regard the object to be processed through the camera. Click on View > Camera to open the pane Camera. Fig. 38: Pane Camera Note Please note that a camera image is only displayed when a camera is actually available. This must be installed and connected via USB properly LPKF AG V

52 4 Structure of the user interface CircuitPro PM Messages Click on View > Messages to open the pane Messages. This pane contains information about: Fig. 39: Pane Messages Table 16: Messages Type Errors Warnings Messages Service Messages Raise selection Description Errors are critical bugs. Click [Errors] in order to correct the errors. If the error recovery is not successful please call the LPKF Support. Warnings are input errors caused by the user. For example this may be information about cancelled or not properly executed actions. Messages are statistical information of the program. This may be feedback from CircuitPro PM on certain actions performed, such as: create new document. Service messages are displayed when the machine maintenance is due. Please contact the LPKF support. Highlights the corresponding action in the CAM view. Example: You draw a rectangle. In the Messages pane appears a corresponding message (e.g. Rectangle Drawn_5 was created). Now if you click on the button Raise selection and hereafter on the message about the drawn rectangle, this rectangle is highlighted in the CAM view. 52 V LPKF AG

53 CircuitPro PM 2.1 Structure of the user interface Fault Monitor The machine errors which have occurred are listed in the Fault Monitor pane. This machine error must be rectified so that production can be continued. Click on View > Fault Monitor to open the Fault Monitor pane: Fig. 40: Pane Fault Monitor The icons used signify the following: Table 17: Error monitoring Icon Description Displays the first error message. Displays the previous error message. Displays the next error message. Displays the last error message. Acknowledges the error message currently marked. Acknowledges all error messages. Deletes the error message currently marked. Deletes all error messages LPKF AG V

54 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM How to work with CircuitPro PM Fig. 41: Menu bar CircuitPro PM The following chapter describes the usage of CircuitPro PM in detail. Each menu and submenu of CircuitPro PM is listed accordingly. CircuitPro PM s menu bar contains following menu items: File Edit Insert Toolpath Modify View Select Wizards Machining Camera (only if a camera is mounted) Extras Help 54 V LPKF AG

55 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Menu File Fig. 42: Menu File The File menu contains the standard file operations of CircuitPro PM. Click on the File menu item to open the submenu: Table 18: File menu functions The following table contains short descriptions of the functions of the individual menu items: Menu item Description New Open Recent files Save Save As Save As Template Import Import 3D shape Import toolpath Creates a new document in CircuitPro PM. You can either select one of the standard templates for your new document or browse your disk drive for your own templates. Opens a CircuitPro PM document. Contains a list of the five CircuitPro PM documents that have been opened/edited most recently. Saves the document currently edited with all changes made under the same file name and location. Saves the document currently edited with all changes made under the specified file name and location. Saves the current document as a template (file extension.cbf). Thus, it is displayed in the select template dialog. Imports the following file formats: CAM, Excellon, Gerber, GerberX, LMD, HPGL, DXF, and Sieb & Meyer. Imports all 3D shapes in the STEP and IGES file formats. Imports the toolpath data of an existing CircuitPro PM document LPKF AG V

56 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Table 18: File menu functions Menu item Description Recent files imported Recent files 3D Export Print Preview Print Export to image Exit Contains a list of the five documents that have been imported most recently. Contains a list of the CircuitPro PM 3D documents that have been opened/edited most recently. Exports the toolpaths of the current document into an LMD file. Opens the print preview of the current document. Opens the print dialog. Choose your settings for printing and start the print operation subsequently. Exports the visual presentation or selected parts into an image file of the formats Bitmap, JPEG, or Windows Enhanced Metafile. Closes CircuitPro PM. 56 V LPKF AG

57 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM New The menu item New lets you create a new document based on a template. Creating a new document in CircuitPro PM 1. Click on File > New. 2. Select the tab Templates. The dialog of the templates available in CircuitPro PM is displayed: Fig. 43: New document 3. Select a template. A new document is created based on the selected template. Tip If you want to define a template as default template, select the desired template and mark the check box Set as default. The corresponding template is underlined in the list of templates. Tip If you want to use none of the templates you can also start the project planning wizard. The wizard guides you through the steps to define your design LPKF AG V

58 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Loading a custom template 1. Click on File > New. 2. Select the tab Templates. The dialog of the templates available in CircuitPro PM is displayed: Fig. 44: New document /1/ List of custom templates created previously /2/ [Load custom template ] opens the file dialog Open 3. Click on a custom template /1/. A custom template is opened. Or 3. Click on [Load custom template ]. 58 V LPKF AG

59 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 45: File dialog Open 4. Select the appropriate CBF file on your drive. 5. Click on [Open]. A custom template is opened LPKF AG V

60 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Open Use the menu item Open to open an existing CircuitPro PM document. Opening an existing document in CircuitPro PM 1. Click on File > Open. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 46: Open 2. Select the desired CBF document on your drive. 3. Click on [Open]. The selected document is opened Recent files This menu item shows the five files that have been opened/edited in CircuitPro PM most recently Save Saves the document currently edited with all changes made under the same file name and in the same folder. 60 V LPKF AG

61 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Save As Use the menu item Save As to save the file currently edited under a new name or in a different folder. Saving a document (under a new name/in a different folder) 1. Click on File>Save As. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 47: Save As 2. Enter a file name. 3. Select the folder for saving the file. 4. Select the file type. Note CircuitPro PM (2.x) is downward compatible and can read and write files of older CircuitPro versions (1.x). However, CircuitPro (1.x) cannot read files of CircuitPro PM versions (2.x). 5. Click on [Save]. The document is saved LPKF AG V

62 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Save As Template Use the menu item Save As Template to save the current document as a custom template in CircuitPro. Saving a document as a template 1. Click on File > Save As Template The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 48: Save As Template 2. Select the folder for saving the file. 3. Enter a file name for the template. 4. Select the file type. 5. Click on [Save]. Note CircuitPro PM (2.x) is downward compatible and can read and write files of older CircuitPro versions (1.x). However, CircuitPro (1.x) cannot read files of CircuitPro PM versions (2.x). The document is saved as a template. 62 V LPKF AG

63 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 If you subsequently create a new document via the menu item File > New, the dialog for selecting a template displays a section My templates : Fig. 49: My templates Import The Import menu item lets you import CAD files of the following formats: Table 19: Formats Format Description Extension CAM native data format of LPKF CircuitCAM *.CAM Excellon data format used for drilling and milling on printed circuit boards.*drl /.*DRD Gerber data format used for printed circuit board image data *.GBR GerberX LMD HPGL extended data format used for printed circuit board image data LPKF Mill Drill data format used for data transfer between LPKF software products data format used for drawings, formerly used to drive pen plotters *.GBX *.LMD *.PLT DXF data format used for drawings from AutoCAD *.DXF Sieb & Meyer ODB++ data format used for drilling and milling on printed circuit boards data format used for printed circuit board image, drill data, netlists and component data *.DRL / *.SM? *.ZIP 2014 LPKF AG V

64 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Importing CAD files 1. Click on File > Import The import dialog is displayed: Fig. 50: File > Import 2. Select the desired file(s) on your drive. 3. Click on [Open]. The following contents are displayed corresponding to your imported file (Gerber in this case): Fig. 51: Import /1/ List of the imported data /2/ View tabs 1 /3/ Data/settings tabs 2 3 /1/ List of the imported data /2/ Main tabs /3/ Sub-tabs 64 V LPKF AG

65 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 4. Check the loaded data and modify if necessary. 5. Click on [OK]. The CAD files have been imported. Section /1/ lists the files you imported. In this list, you define the layers in CircuitPro PM where each file's data are assigned to. Section /2/ contains the tabs that display detailed information on the imported data. These are structured as follows: 2D view Apertures/Tools Text View Message View Depending on the active tab, section /3/ displays the following sub-tabs: General Options Attributes (only if the Apertures/Tools tab is active) Note You can change the import settings for the individual file types via menu item Extras > Options Import / Export. The following pages show the contents of the tabs using Gerber files as examples. If you import other file formats, the contents of the tabs may differ. 2D View tab The 2D View tab displays the design and the dimensions of the imported file: Fig. 52: 2D View 2014 LPKF AG V

66 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Apertures/Tools tab The Apertures/Tools tab lists the apertures and tools required for the project. Fig. 53: Apertures/Tools The columns of this tab show the following: Table 20: Apertures and tools Column Image Name Description Shows the shape of the individual aperture. Shows the name of the individual aperture. Mode Shows whether the aperture is imported as a drawn or flashed object. Rotation A-D Shows the angle by which the aperture is rotated (meaningless in case of a circle shape). These columns contain the parameters defining the size and shape of the aperture. Depending on the aperture shape, not all parameter columns are used. 66 V LPKF AG

67 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Text View tab The Text View tab displays the ASCII text of the imported file. Fig. 54: Text View Message View tab The Message View tab contains system messages of CircuitPro PM about the operations performed during the file import: Fig. 55: Message View 2014 LPKF AG V

68 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Data/Settings tab General In the General tab, you can define the dimensions of the imported files: Fig. 56: General The following settings are possible: Table 21: General Setting Description Size Unit Values Decimal Digits m.n Displays the overall size of the imported design. Displays the unit of measurement Defines whether absolute or relative values are used. Defines whether leading or trailing zeroes are to be omitted. Defines the number of digits. m = digits before the decimal point n = digits after the decimal point 68 V LPKF AG

69 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Data/Settings tab Options The Options tab lets you select various options: Fig. 57: Options The following options can be activated: Table 22: Options Setting Description Use layer name Use layer polarity Rotate Square Step and Repeat to flash Rotate AM Octagon Set 360 interpolation as default Apply to all Gerber files Use the layer name defined in the Gerber file. Activate/deactivate analysis of layer polarity during Gerber import. Activate/deactivate automatic rotation of square objects during Gerber import. Activate/deactivate combining object collections to flash objects for Step & Repeat commands (in the file) when importing Gerber files. Always align octagon edges to axes. Activates the 360 interpolation for circles as default, irrespective of corresponding commands in the file. Applies the settings of this tab to all imported Gerber files 2014 LPKF AG V

70 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Data/Settings tab Attributes The Attributes tab displays and lets you modify the properties of the apertures and tools: Fig. 58: Attributes Table 23: Attributes The attributes define the following: Attribute Type Rotation A-D Description Defines the type of the aperture. Defines the rotation angle of the aperture. These fields contain the parameters defining the size and shape of the aperture. Depending on the aperture shape, not all parameter fields are used. 70 V LPKF AG

71 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Import 3D shape Use the menu item Import 3D shape if you want to import a file containing 3D shapes into CircuitPro PM. The following file types containing 3D shapes can be imported: STEP files (*.stp, *.step) IGES files (*.igs, *.iges) BRep files (*.brep) Importing a 3D shape 1. Click on File > Import 3D shape... The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 59: Import 3D shape 2. Select the desired document (STEP or IGES) on your drive. 3. Click on [Open]. The 3D shape is imported LPKF AG V

72 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Import toolpath Use the menu item Import toolpath to import toolpaths from other CircuitPro PM files (.cbf). Importing toolpaths 1. Click on File > Import toolpath The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 60: Import toolpath 2. Select the desired document on your drive. 3. Click on [Open]. The toolpaths of the document are imported and displayed in the toolpath pane: Fig. 61: Toolpath pane with imported toolpaths The toolpaths have been imported. 72 V LPKF AG

73 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Recent files imported This menu item shows the five files that have been imported into CircuitPro PM most recently Recent files 3D This menu item shows the five 3D files that have been opened/edited in CircuitPro PM most recently LPKF AG V

74 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Export Use the function Export to export toolpaths in CircuitPro PM to LMD files. Export toolpaths to LMD file 1. Click on File > Export The following dialog is displayed. Fig. 62: Export 2. Enter a file name in section Parameters. 3. Scroll down the list Source objects until you see the phases of the current CircuitPro PM project. Note In CircuitPro PM the toolpaths are assigned to the corresponding phases. You can check the assignments in the pane Toolpath. 4. Tick the checkbox of these phases whose toolpaths you want to export. 5. Click on [Save]. The toolpaths are exported in a LMD file. This file is saved in the folder of your current CircuitPro PM project. Highlighting and exporting individual toolpaths Tip In the CAM/Machining view you are able to highlight the toolpaths to export or you click on the individual toolpaths in the pane Toolpath. In the Export dialog, select <Current selection> in the list Source objects. Click on [Save], to export the toolpaths. The toolpaths have been exported. 74 V LPKF AG

75 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Print preview Before printing a document in CircuitPro PM, you can use the print preview to get an overview of the pages to be printed. Starting the print preview 1. Click on File > Print Preview The following window is displayed: Fig. 63: Print preview The print preview has the following menu items: Fig. 64: Menu items in Print preview Table 24: Menu items in Print preview No. Icon Description /1/ Print Starts the printing process. /2/ Settings Opens the printer setup dialog. /3/ Lens Zooms in or out of the page(s) to be printed. View /4/ 2D/3D Offers the choice between the objects in 2D view and in 3D view LPKF AG V

76 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Mode /5/ One Page Displays only one page at a time of the document to be printed. /5/ Two pages Displays two pages at a time of the document to be printed. /5/ Three pages Displays three pages at a time of the document to be printed. /5/ Four pages Displays four pages at a time of the document to be printed. /5/ Six pages Displays six pages at a time of the document to be printed. Print area /6/ All visible Restricts the print area to all visible objects. /6/ View Restricts the print area to the current view. /6/ Full layout Fits the print area to the full layout. /6/ Selection Restricts the print area to the current selection. /7/ Page number Displays the current page number. /8/ Close Closes the print preview. 2. Click on the print button /1/ in order to print the document. Or 2. Click on [Close] in order to close the print preview window. The print preview window is closed. 76 V LPKF AG

77 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Print Use the menu item File > Print if you want to print a document/artwork film in CircuitPro PM. Use the different tabs to set your desired properties for a good printing result. Printing a document/artwork film 1. Click on File > Print The print dialog is displayed. 2. Take your desired settings in the individual tabs as explained below: General tab Fig. 65: Print > General /1/ Printer selection /2/ Page Range /3/ Collate /4/ View /5/ Print Area 2014 LPKF AG V

78 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Table 25: Print > General Section Printer selection Page Range Number of copies and collate View Print Area Button Properties Preview Print Cancel Apply Description Select the printer for the print job in this section. Select the pages that are to be printed. If the radio button Selection is activated only the current selection in the view are printed. Enter the number of copies to be printed. If more than one copy is selected, the Collate check box is available. This setting is for printing all pages of one copy before printing the next copy. Select the view that is to be printed. Print area defines whether the current view, the whole design, the selection, or everything is to be printed. Description Opens the printer dialog to set the properties of the connected printer. Creates a preview of the print job. Starts the printing process Closes the dialog. Stores the settings. Tip Printing an artwork film To print an artwork film (for a later usage in LPKF ProMask/ProLegend), enter the following settings in your printer properties: 1. Click on [Properties ]. 2. Enter the following settings in the upcoming dialog: Print quality: high Color: gray shades Paper quality: fine/film The document size must be equal to actual size. I.e. the option reduce/enlarge the page must be disabled. 78 V LPKF AG

79 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Page Setup tab Fig. 66: Print > Page Setup /1/ Preview /2/ Paper /3/ Orientation /4/ Margins Table 26: Print > Page Setup Section Preview Paper Orientation Margins Description Displays an example sheet of the current settings. Select the paper size and the paper source of the printer. Select the orientation of the pages: Portrait or Landscape. Enter the page margins LPKF AG V

80 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Settings tab Fig. 67: Print > Settings /1/ Printing options /2/ Scaling /3/ Page count Table 27: Print > Settings Section Printing options Scaling Description You can select the following options: Enable colors: Activate this option for color printing. Auto rotate: Adjusts the page orientation to the orientation setting in the printer setup. Include file name in print output: Prints the file name of the project on every page. Inverse: This function creates an inverted view of the milling area. I.e., the surface that is milled when producing the circuit board (e.g. rubout area) remains blank and the remaining copper areas are printed. Mirror Y: Mirrors the object to be printed on the Y axis. You can choose between three options for scaling: Best fit according paper size: Select this option to have the print output scaled automatically to the paper size. 1:1: If this option is selected, the print output has the actual size of the printed object. No scaling takes place. In case of large designs, these may be printed across several pages. In case of small designs, it can happen that details are printed so small that they become illegible. Manual scaling: Enter a scaling value to scale the print output. If you enter e.g. 4 the output is enlarged by four. If the scaling factor would result in a print output of more than 100 pages the scaling is aborted. 80 V LPKF AG

81 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Table 27: Print > Settings Section Description Page count One page: If the output is enlarged (e.g. requires 3 pages) only the center part is printed on a single page. The remaining parts are cropped. Page count according to scaling: The output is printed exactly (if e.g. 3 pages are required) as displayed in the preview. The output is not cropped or limited LPKF AG V

82 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Printer Calibration tab Fig. 68: Print > Printer Calibration Table 28: Print > Printer Calibration Section Parameters Button Print calibration rectangle Description Enter the parameters for printing a calibration rectangle: Rectangle size: Enter the size (X and Y values) of the calibration rectangle. Start a test print by clicking on [Print calibration rectangle]. Printed size: Enter the actual size of the printed calibration rectangle. Use a ruler to measure the rectangle in the print output. Correction factor: This is computed automatically from the difference between the rectangle size and the actual printed size. You can also modify the factor manually. Activate the check box <Use Calibration> to apply the correction factor. Description Prints a rectangle that can be adjusted to the desired rectangle size by entering the actual size in the parameters section. 3. Click on [Print] in order to print the document. The document is printed. 82 V LPKF AG

83 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Export to image CircuitPro PM offers to export designs into image files. The following file formats are available: Bitmap (*.bmp) JPEG (*.JPG, *:JEPG) Metafile (*.emf) Portable Network Graphics (*.png) Exporting a design to an image 1. Click on File > Export to image The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 69: Export to image 2. Select the file format for the image (bitmap, JPEG, metafile or Portable Network Graphics). 3. In the parameters field, select whether 2D graphics or 3D graphics are to be exported. You can also select which area of the design are to be exported into the image file. Fig. 70: Parameters 2014 LPKF AG V

84 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Table 29: Parameters Selection Description All visible View Full layout Selection Exports all visible objects of the 2D/3D view Exports the current CAM view. Exports the whole design in 2D and 3D view Exports only the objects selected in 2D/3D view. 4. Select the folder for saving the image. 5. Click on [Save]. The design is exported and stored into an image file Exit The menu item Exit closes the CircuitPro PM program. Just click on File > Exit. 84 V LPKF AG

85 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Menu Edit Fig. 71: Menu Edit The Edit menu contains the functions for editing objects in CircuitPro PM. Click on the menu item Edit to open the sub-menu: The following table contains short descriptions of the functions of the individual menu items: Table 30: Edit menu items Menu item Description Undo Redo Cut Copy Paste Material properties Material placement Material Settings Tool magazine Tool Library Aperture list library Design Rule Check Undoes the last operation in the document.. Restores the operation previously undone. Cuts the selected object(s) from the document and stores it (them) in the clipboard. Copies the selected object(s) to the clipboard. Inserts the object(s) previously cut/copied at the selected position/on the selected layer. Defines the properties (such as type and size) of the material used for 2.5D operations. Defines the height and the position of the material used (2.5D objects) Opens the dialog Material settings" where you can enter the parameters of the base material used. Opens the dialog Tool magazine dialog. Enter the various tools that are/will be in the machine's tool magazine in this dialog. Opens a dialog showing all available tools. Opens a dialog showing all apertures of the current document. Opens a dialog for the setting options and starting the design rule check LPKF AG V

86 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Table 30: Edit menu items Menu item Description Measure Distance Set anchor point Set zero point Move anchor to center point Move layer to zero Match up layers Match up objects Delete Activate this menu item to measure the distance between two points in the 2D/3D/Machining view. The values are shown in the status bar of CircuitPro PM. Press the ESC key on your keyboard to deactivate this function. Opens the Distance dialog. The dialog shows the exact distance between two objects. Opens a dialog where you can define the coordinates of the anchor point. Moves the zero point to the current anchor point. Moves the anchor point to the center point of a selected object. Aligns the objects of the selected layer to the zero point. Opens a dialog allowing to align the objects of two layers along a vertical line. Opens a dialog allowing to move a source object onto a target object. Deletes the selected object(s) of the layer Undo Use this function to undo the last operation. By default, you can undo up to 10 operations. If you want to increase the number of undo operations change the setting in menu Extras > Options > General > Undo/Redo level (see page 336) Redo Use this function to restore the operation undone last. By default, you can restore up to 10 undone operations. If you want to increase the number of redo operations change the setting in menu Extras > Options > General > Undo/Redo level (see page 336) Cut Use this function to cut the selected object(s) and store it (them) in the clipboard Copy Use this function to copy the selected object(s) and store it (them) in the clipboard. 86 V LPKF AG

87 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Insert Use this function to paste objects previously cut or copied from the clipboard to the current mouse position. Note If you insert the copied object on the same layer the new object will be placed on the original object. In this case activate the button on the left. Now click and move the copied object to the desired position Material properties In the dialog Material properties, the properties of the 3D object to be processed can be determined. Determining material properties 1. Click on process > Material properties. The following dialog is shown: Fig. 72: Material properties 2. Select the material type in the field \Type:\. 3. Enter the length of the material (in mm) in the field \Length:\. 4. Enter the material width (in mm) in the field \Width:\. 5. Enter the height of the material in the field \Height:\. Tip If you use the same material frequently, you can also set the specified values as default properties and save them. Activate the checkbox Save as default properties. 6. Click on [OK] to adopt the values. The material properties have been determined LPKF AG V

88 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Material placement You can place the material in the maching view by using this dialog. You define the corners of the material as well as the surface height. Placing the material 1. Click on Edit > Material placement The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 73: Material placement /1/ Material properties /2/ Location /3/ Surface level /4/ Machine properties The individual section contain the following information/functions: Table 31: Material placement Section Material properties Machine properties Location Surface level Description In this section, the material properties of the material to be processed are displayed. You previously entered these properties in the dialog Material properties. In this section, the current material side to be processed, is displayed. In this section, the material corners are set. Please take the exact instructions from the following pages. In this section, please set the surface height. Please take the exact instructions from the following pages. 2. Modify the settings as required. 3. Click on [OK] to save the values. The dialog is closed. The material has been placed. 88 V LPKF AG

89 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Set material corners 1. Move the camera head to the left, lower corner of your base material: a) Click in the Processing pane. b) Use the arrow buttons in the section "X/Y positioning" to move the camera head. Fig. 74: Pane Processing Note The camera head is activated automatically. This can be recognised in the Processing pane by the green frame around the camera icon: Tip You can also click on the corner of your material in the machining view. The camera moves automatically to this position. Perform fine adjustment by using the X/Y buttons in the Processing pane. 2. Perform autofocus for improved material alignment: a) To do this, click on the button "Autofocus" in the Processing pane: Fig. 75: Autofocus 3. Position the camera head so that the corner of your material is exactly at the crosshairs: 2014 LPKF AG V

90 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Fig. 76: Crosshair of the camera Tip If you use the dark/reflective base materials (for example, POM), the display of the camera image can be too dark for the material to be recognised. In this case, turn the camera aperture to improve the incidence of light/lightness of the camera image. 4. In the dialog Material placement, click on the following icon: The value for the lower, left material corner was saved. The following message is displayed: Fig. 77: Message for second position 5. Confirm the message by clicking on Yes. The camera automatically moves in the opposite corner of the material. 6. Align the crosshairs with the material corner by using the X/Y buttons. 7. Click on the symbol for the upper, right-hand corner: The value was saved. The material corners have been set. 90 V LPKF AG

91 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Setting the material height In the next step, the Z height of the material must be determined. The following message is displayed after you have set the material corners: Fig. 78: Move to measuring position 1. Confirm the message by clicking on Yes. 2. Click on [Autofocus]. 3. Now click on the button to set the material height: The material height has been set Material Settings Use this dialog to define the material properties of the object to be processed. Fig. 79: Material settings /1/ Application /2/ Properties /3/ Location 2014 LPKF AG V

92 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Section /1/ defines whether the material is used as a printed circuit board or as a front panel/engraving. The properties of the material are defined in section /2/. This comprises: Material type (glass-reinforced epoxy laminate (FR4) or aluminium) Thickness of the copper layer in µm Material thickness in mm Thickness of the underlay in mm (none if vacuum table is mounted) Section /3/ defines the location and size of the material area. In case of front panels/engravings, the Z height has to be determined by lowering the tool to the surface of the material. The following properties can also be defined: Material width in mm Material length in mm When the material area is defined, the resulting surface height and the coordinates of the material's corners are displayed. Defining the material area 1. Click on the upper right corner of the working area in the machining view of the project. The milling head moves to this position. The X and Y coordinates of this position are displayed in the Material settings dialog. Fig. 80: Material settings > coordinates Note If you have selected Front panel/engraving in the Application section, you have to enter the Z coordinate at the material's corners. Move the milling head downwards by changing the Z value until the tool touches the material. Follow the further instructions from step 2 onwards. 92 V LPKF AG

93 die CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 2. Click on the icon representing the right rear corner, see /2/ in the following figure: Fig. 81: Material settings > Location 1 2 /1/ Left front corner /2/ Right rear corner The coordinates of the material area are stored. 3. Click on the lower left corner of the working area in the machining view of the project. The milling head moves to this position. The X and Y coordinates of this position are displayed in the Material settings dialog. 4. Click on the icon representing the left front corner /1/. Tip After defining front left corner of the material area, you can also define the size of the material area by setting the Material width and Material length. 1. Follow the steps 3 and 4 of Defining the material area 2. Enter the values for \Material length\ and \Material width\ in millimetres. The material area is adjusted automatically. The material area is defined LPKF AG V

94 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Tool magazine ProtoMat D104 The tool magazine dialog lets you view a list of the tools required for the current project, view the tools currently present in the machine, load the tool magazine, view/put back the tool currently present in the clamp, pick up a tool with the clamp, check the milling width (Universal Cutter and Micro Cutter) or the milling depth (End Mill) of a tool, view the current state of the tool life spent, and replace an old tool with a new one. Note The Tool magazine dialog offers these options only for machines with automated tool change. This comprises the ProtoMat S63, the ProtoMat S103, and the ProtoMat D104. To open the dialog, select the milling head as active head and click on Edit > Tool magazine or click on the following icon of the toolbar to open the dialog as an alternative: Fig. 82: Tool magazine icon 94 V LPKF AG

95 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 83: Tool magazine S63/S103/D /1/ Required tools /2/ Button Check milling width /3/ Button Discard tool /4/ Tools in the machine It is necessary to load the tool magazine for processing a project. In section /1/, CircuitPro PM displays the tools that are required for processing the project. The required tools have to be inserted into the tool magazine manually. You can either insert the tools into the tool holders and then assign them to the tool holders accordingly in section /4/ or assign tools to the tool holders in the Tool magazine dialog and then insert the tools into the tool Holders according to the list LPKF AG V

96 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Loading the tool magazine 1. Click on the drop-down list of the first tool holder: Fig. 84: Dropdown list of the tool holder Fig. 85: Assigning a tool A list of all tools that you can use with the machine is displayed. 2. Select the required tool (in this case: Universal Cutter 0.2 mm, as in adjacent list): The tool is marked with a green check mark in the list of the required tools. Also, a green check mark is displayed next to the corresponding drop-down list and the tool life spent is displayed on the right. 96 V LPKF AG

97 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 3. Repeat above steps for all tools that are required for your project with the other tool holders. Fig. 86: Tool magazine loaded The tool magazine is loaded. Picking up a tool with the clamp 1. Click on the following button next to the drop-down list: Fig. 87: Picking up a tool The following message is displayed while the clamp picks up the tool: Fig. 88: Message picking up tool The symbol on the tool's button changes: Fig. 89: Tool currently in clamp Now, the tool is in the clamp LPKF AG V

98 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Putting the tool back to its magazine position 1. Click on the following button next to the drop-down list: Fig. 90: Putting down a tool The following message is displayed while the clamp puts down the tool: Fig. 91: Message tool release The symbol on the tool's button changes: Fig. 92: Tool not in clamp The tool is back at its corresponding magazine position. 98 V LPKF AG

99 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Checking the milling width A tool has to be in the clamp to enable checking the milling width (Universal Cutter und Micro Cutter) or the milling depth (End Mill) of a tool. A short line is milled that is subsequently measured with the camera or the caliper. 1. Pick up the tool with the clamp (see procedure Picking up a tool with the clamp ). The tool is now in the clamp. 2. Activate the check box of the tool currently in the clamp: Fig. 93: Check box activated The button Check milling width is active. Note If a tool the milling width of which cannot be checked (e.g. Spiral Drill etc.) is in the clamp the button is not activated. 3. Click on [Check milling width ] LPKF AG V

100 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The following message is displayed: Fig. 94: Defining a machine area 4. Click on a position outside the area to be used for the project (but inside the processing area) to mill a line (see figure above). Note Please make sure that the milled line is inside the working area of the camera so that the camera can measure the line. The milling head moves to the corresponding position in the processing area. 5. Click on [OK]. 100 V LPKF AG

101 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The dust extraction of the machine is switched on, the milling head moves to the zero position and the spindle motor is warmed up: Fig. 95: Warm-up of spindle motor Note The warm-up may already have taken place before, if the machine has already processed material after switching it on. The line to be milled is displayed in the machining view and the line is milled: Fig. 96: Machining view with milled line 2014 LPKF AG V

102 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 After the line has been milled the camera moves to the corresponding position. The Camera pane displays the line just milled: Fig. 97: Camera pane The dialog with the measurement results is displayed: Fig. 98: Measurement results If there is a difference between the desired milling width and the measured width CircuitPro PM automatically proposes a correction value. Note You can manually enter a correction value if you do not want to apply the value proposed by CircuitPro PM. 6. Increase or decrease the value of the proposed correction by using the two arrow buttons. 7. To apply the proposed correction only for the current tool, click on [Store correction]. The correction value for the current tool has been applied. The dialog is closed. 102 V LPKF AG

103 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 or 8. To apply the proposed correction for all tools of the same tool type, click on [Save for all tools]. The correction value for all tools of the same tool type has been applied. The dialog is closed. Note In CircuitPro PM it is possible to apply the correction value for all tools of the same tool type. If you check the milling width with an Universal Cutter and if you click on the button [Save for all tools], the correction value is applied for all Universal Cutters. If you do not want to apply any correction click on [Cancel]. Note Note Please note that the tool has to be put back into the holder and picked up again in order to have the corrected settings be applied. The milling width has been checked. Discarding a tool If the tool life of a tool is spent, the tool should be discarded to ensure optimum milling results. Note Please note that all information on the tool to be discarded will be deleted. 1. Activate the check box of the tool to be discarded LPKF AG V

104 * 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The button Discard tool is activated. Fig. 99: Replace tool 2. Click on [Discard tool]. The following message is displayed: Fig. 100: Tool replacement 3. Confirm by clicking on [Yes]. Note If the tool to be discarded is currently in the clamp, the tool is put back into its corresponding magazine position. A message is displayed which prompts you to discard the tool. 4. Replace the old tool in the machine with a new one. The old tool is discarded. 104 V LPKF AG

105 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Tool magazine ProtoMat E33/S43 (manual tool change) The Tool magazine dialog moves the milling head to the zero position to allow a manual tool change. Click on Edit > Tool magazine or the following icon of the toolbar to open the dialog: Fig. 101: Tool magazine icon The following dialog is displayed. Fig. 102: Tool magazine dialog for E33 and S /1/ Tool selection list /2/ Tool in clamp Performing a manual tool change 1. Select the tool that you want to mount into the clamp from the tool selection list /1/. This example uses the tool Universal Cutter 0,2 mm. Note 2. Click on [Continue]. The following message is displayed: Fig. 103: Tool change 3. Mount the tool. 4. Click on [OK]. The manual tool change is finished LPKF AG V

106 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Measuring the milling width Note Please note, that you can only measure the milling width of a conical tool. 1. Click on [Milling Width]. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 104: Measure Milling Width 2. Click on the position in the Machining view where you want to mill the line. 3. Enter the length of the line to be milled. 4. Select an option: Horizontal milling line Vertical milling line 5. Click on [Mill a Line]. The line is milled at the selected position. 6. Measure the milling width by using a microscope. Note To determine the correct milling width, put on the microscope at the lower, inner edges of the copper: 7. Click on [Accept Width], if the milling width is okay. If not 7. Adjust the tool manually and mill a line again until the result of the milling width is okay. The milling width is measured. 106 V LPKF AG

107 die CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Tool magazine ProtoMat S63/S103 The tool magazine dialog lets you view a list of the tools required for the current project, view the tools currently present in the machine, load the tool magazine, view/put back the tool currently present in the clamp, pick up a tool with the clamp, check the milling width of a tool (only for Universal Cutter and Micro Cutter), view the current state of the tool life spent and replace an old tool with a new one. Note The Tool magazine dialog offers these options only for machines with automated tool change. This comprises the ProtoMat S63 and the ProtoMat S103. Click on Edit > Tool magazine or the following icon of the toolbar to open the dialog: Fig. 105: Tool magazine icon 2014 LPKF AG V

108 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The following Dialog is displayed: Fig. 106: Tool magazine /1/ Required tools /2/ Button Check milling width /3/ Button Discard tool /4/ Tools in the machine It is necessary to load the tool magazine for processing a project. In section /1/, CircuitPro PM displays the tools that are required for processing the project. The required tools have to be inserted into the tool magazine manually. You can either insert the tools into the tool holders and then assign them to the tool holders accordingly in section /4/ or assign tools to the tool holders in the Tool magazine dialog and then insert the tools into the tool Holders according to the list. 108 V LPKF AG

109 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Loading the tool magazine 1. Click on the drop-down list of the first tool holder: Fig. 107: Dropdown list of the tool holder Fig. 108: Assigning a tool A list of all tools that you can use with the machine is displayed. 2. Select the required tool (in this case: Universal Cutter 0.2 mm, as in adjacent list): The tool is marked with a green check mark in the list of the required tools. Also, a green check mark is displayed next to the corresponding drop-down list and the tool life spent is displayed on the right. 3. Repeat above steps for all tools that are required for your project with the other tool holders LPKF AG V

110 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Fig. 109: Tool magazine loaded The tool magazine is loaded. Picking up a tool with the clamp 1. Click on the following button next to the drop-down list: Fig. 110: Picking up a tool The following message is displayed while the clamp picks up the tool: Fig. 111: Message picking up tool The symbol on the tool's button changes: Fig. 112: Tool currently in clamp The tool is now in the clamp. 110 V LPKF AG

111 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Putting the tool back to its magazine position 1. Click on the following button next to the drop-down list: Fig. 113: Putting down a tool The following message is displayed while the clamp puts down the tool: Fig. 114: Message tool release The symbol on the tool's button changes: Fig. 115: Tool not in clamp The tool is back at its corresponding magazine position LPKF AG V

112 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Checking the milling width A tool has to be in the clamp to enable checking the milling width. A short line is milled that is subsequently measured with the camera. Fig. 116: Check box activated 1. Pick up the tool with the clamp (see procedure Picking up a tool with the clamp ). The tool is now in the clamp. 2. Activate the check box of the tool currently in the clamp: The button Check milling width is active. Note If a tool the milling width of which cannot be checked (e.g. Spiral Drill etc.) is in the clamp the button is not activated. 3. Click on [Check milling width ]. 112 V LPKF AG

113 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The following message is displayed: Fig. 117: Defining a machine area 4. Click on a position outside the area to be used for the project (but inside the processing area) to mill a line (see figure above). Note Please make sure that the milled line is inside the working area of the camera so that the camera can measure the line. The milling head moves to the corresponding position in the processing area. 5. Click on [OK]. The dust extraction of the machine is switched on, the milling head moves to the zero position and the spindle motor is warmed up: 2014 LPKF AG V

114 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Fig. 118: Warmup of spindle motor Note The warm-up may already have taken place before, if the machine has already processed material after switching it on. The line to be milled is displayed in the machining view and the line is milled: Fig. 119: Machining view with milled line 114 V LPKF AG

115 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 After the line has been milled the camera moves to the corresponding position. The Camera pane displays the line just milled: Fig. 120: Camera pane The dialog with the measurement results is displayed: Fig. 121: Measurement results If there is a difference between the desired milling width and the measured width CircuitPro PM automatically proposes a correction value. 6. Click on [Store correction] to apply the proposed value. You can manually enter a correction value if you do not want to apply the value proposed by CircuitPro PM. 7. Increase or decrease the value of the proposed correction by using the two arrow buttons. 8. Click on [Store Correction]. If you do not want to apply any correction click on [Cancel]. The dialog is closed. The milling width of the tool currently in the clamp was checked LPKF AG V

116 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Note Please note that the tool has to be put back into the holder and picked up again in order to have the corrected settings be applied. Discarding a tool If the tool life of a tool is spent, the tool should be discarded to ensure optimum milling results. Note Please note that all information on the tool to be discarded will be deleted. 1. Activate the check box of the tool to be discarded. The button Discard tool is activated. Fig. 122: Replace tool 2. Click on [Discard tool]. The following message is displayed: Fig. 123: Tool replacement 3. Confirm by clicking on [Yes]. Note If the tool to be discarded is currently in the clamp, the tool is put back into its corresponding magazine position. 116 V LPKF AG

117 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 4. Replace the old tool in the machine with a new one. The old tool is discarded Tool library The tool library contains the tools that you selected when setting up the machine (equipment configuration wizard). The dialog allows the following operations: Adding new tools Deleting existing tools Defining filters for displaying the categories, tool types, and materials Adding new materials or delete existing ones Fig. 124: Tool library 1 2 /1/ Display of available tools /2/ Detailed information on the selected tool 2014 LPKF AG V

118 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Displaying tool information 1. First select the type of your machine in the drop-down list \Machine type\. The tools which are assigned to your machine type are displayed in the section Available tools. 2. In section /1/, click on the tool whose detailed information you would like to view. In section /2/, now the relevant detailed information on the selected tool is shown with an image: Fig. 125: Detailed information Fig. 126: Detailed information on the laser The materials which can be processed are listed under each tool. 3. Click on the arrow symbol next to the respective tool: 118 V LPKF AG

119 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The materials are listed and the following information is displayed in section /2/: Fig. 127: Material display 1 2 /1/ Material display /2/ Detailed information on the materials Feed Speed Rotation Speed Maximum Tool Life Maximum penetration depth [mm] Z penetration offset [mm] Fig. 128: Materialanzeige Laser 2 1 /1/ Material display /2/ Detailed information on the materials Feed Speed [mm/s] Maximum penetration depth [mm] Z penetration step [mm] Diameter [mm] Laser power [W] Laser on delay [ms] Laser off delay [ms] Runs The detailed information has been displayed LPKF AG V

120 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Removing an existing tool from the list 1. In section /1/, click on the tool that you want to remove from the list. 2. Click on [Remove tool]. The tool is removed from the list. Adding a new tool 1. Click on [Add tool ]. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 129: Add tool Adding LPKF tools 1. Click on Add LPKF tools. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 130: Add LPKF tool 120 V LPKF AG

121 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 2. Select a tool from the list. The associated materials are displayed in the list. 3. Click on [Close]. The tool has been added. Adding custom tools 1. Click on Add custom tools.... The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 131: Add custom tool 2. Select a tool type. 3. Enter a tool name. 4. If necessary, enter a tool description. 5. Set the tool diameter. 6. Select a base tool from the current list of available tools. 7. Click on the materials for which the tool is to be used. The Add tool button is active. 8. Click on [Add tool]. The new tool appears in the tool list. 9. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. The custom tool has been added LPKF AG V

122 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Adding dispense tools 1. Click on Add dispense tools.... The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 132: Add dispense tools 2. Enter a tool name. 3. If necessary, enter a tool description. 4. Set the tool diameter. 5. Select a base tool from the current list of available tools. 6. Click on the materials for which the tool is to be used. The Add tool button is active. 7. Click on [Add tool]. The new dispense tool appears in the tool list. 8. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. The dispense tool has been added. 122 V LPKF AG

123 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Editing materials The dialog Edit Materials allows you to add new materials (optionally using tool parameters of other materials) or remove existing ones. 1. Click on [Edit materials ]. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 133: Edit materials In this dialog, the following options are available: Adding materials Adding materials with the tool parameters of materials already available Removing materials that are added individually. Adding materials 1. Enter a name for the new material. 2. Click on [Add material]. The material is displayed in the list Available materials. 3. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. The new material has been added LPKF AG V

124 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Add materials with the tool parameters of materials already available If you want to add a new material that has the same tool parameters as a material already available, please follow these steps: 1. Enter the name for the new material. 2. Mark the checkbox <Copy all tool parameters from:> 3. Now select the material whose properties you would like to copy from the drop-down list. 4. Click on [Add material]. The new material, with the copied tool parameters, is added to the list of available materials. 5. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. The new material, with the tool parameters for materials already available, has been added. Removing materials that are added individually 1. In the list of the available materials, please click on the material that has been added individually. Note Only materials that have been added individually can be removed. Default materials of the LPKF tools cannot be removed. 2. Click on [Delete]. The selected material is removed. 3. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. The material that has been added individually has been removed. Material editing is complete. 124 V LPKF AG

125 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Defining filters You can define one filter each for the tool types and materials. The filter is used to display only information significant for you. The tabs Tool type and Material contain your customised entries. 1. Click on [Define filter ]. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 134: Define filter 2. Click on the tool type/material that the filter shall apply to. Note Each tab offers the option to select the standard filter for the tool type or the material. These standard filters are defined by the system and cannot be modified. 3. Click on [OK]. The changes were adopted and the dialog is closed. The filters are defined LPKF AG V

126 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Aperture list library A dialog to manage the apertures of the current project and the apertures and aperture lists in the aperture list library can be started by clicking on Edit > Aperture list library. Note Please note that CircuitPro PM automatically loads the *.cbf file ApertureListsLibrary.cbf when the aperture library is opened for the first time. CircuitPro PM displays a corresponding message. When using Windows XP, the file ApertureListsLibrary.cbf is stored in folder C:\Documents and Settings\User name\local Settings\Application Data\LPKF Laser&Electronics\LPKF CircuitPro PM 2.1. When using Windows 7, the file ApertureListsLibrary.cbf is stored in folder C:\Users\User name\appdata\local\lpkf Laser&Electronics\LPKF CircuitPro PM 2.1. Fig. 135: Aperture list library /1/ File name /2/ Aperture lists /3/ Detail section: contains the individual apertures of the selected aperture list. /4/ Copy /5/ Remove a single aperture /6/ Remove aperture list 126 V LPKF AG

127 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The following operations are available in the Aperture list library dialog: Copying aperture lists from the current project into the aperture list library (thus making them available in other projects). Copying aperture lists available in the aperture list library into the current project. Removing apertures from the library. By default, the aperture library is stored as a *.cbf file. You can also load custom *.cbf files in the dialog to edit the contained aperture libraries. Note Unless you open a new file in the Aperture list dialog, CircuitPro PM automatically loads the aperture library that was used last when opening the dialog. You can load your own *.cbf files in the dialog to edit the contained aperture libraries. Note As long as you do not load a different file in the Aperture lists dialog, CircuitPro PM automatically loads the aperture library that was edited last. Copying an aperture list from the current project to the aperture list library 1. Select the aperture list to be copied in /2/. 2. Click on [Copy]. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 136: Copy aperture list to library 3. Enter a name for the aperture list to be created. 4. Click on [OK]. The aperture list is copied to the aperture list library LPKF AG V

128 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Copying an aperture list from the aperture list library to the current project 1. Select the aperture list to be copied in /2/. 2. Click on [Copy]. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 137: Copy aperture list to document 3. Enter a name for the aperture list to be created. 4. Click on [OK]. The aperture list is copied to the current project. Removing an aperture list from the library Note Please note that only aperture lists that are not used in the current *.cbf document can be removed from the aperture list library. 1. Click on the aperture list in /2/ that you want to remove. 2. Click on [Remove aperture list]. The aperture list is removed from the library. Removing an aperture from the aperture list Note Please note that only apertures that are in a library's aperture list can be removed. 1. Click on the aperture in /3/ that you want to remove. 2. Click on [Remove]. The aperture is removed from the aperture list. 128 V LPKF AG

129 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Design Rule Check The design rule check helps you to check whether the design meets defined and recommended standards for producing circuit boards. Fig. 138: Design rule check You can check the following: Spacing between objects that are on different layers. Spacing between objects on the same layer. This function enables you to check before isolation whether the object spacing matches the size of the tool used, thus ensuring flawless isolation. Note In order to check the object spacing, check the size of the tool you want to use for isolation first. You can find this information in the menu item Technology dialog. For more information on the menu item Technology dialog see the corresponding chapter LPKF AG V

130 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Checking the spacing between two layers 1. Click on the first layer in the drop-down list Source objects. 2. Click on the second layer in the drop-down list Additional source objects. Fig. 139: Checking the spacing between 2 layers 3. Select a result layer. It is recommended to create a new result layer. Note 4. Enter the minimum spacing to check in millimetres. 5. Click on [Run]. The design rule check is started. A new result layer DRC_Errors is created in the Layers pane: Fig. 140: Result layer Fig. 141: Violations count The number next to the layer name DRC_Errors shows how often the design rules were violated The design rule check is finished. 130 V LPKF AG

131 w CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Checking the spacing within a layer 1. In the drop-down list Source objects, select the first layer whose object spacing you want to check. 2. Select a result layer. Fig. 142: Checking the spacing within a layer It is recommended to create a new result layer. Note 3. Enter the minimum spacing to check in mm. 4. Click on [Run]. The design rule check is started. A new result layer is created in the Layers pane: Fig. 143: Result layer Fig. 144: Violations count The number next to the layer name DRC_Errors shows how often the design rules were violated. The design rule check is finished LPKF AG V

132 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Measure Use this function to measure the distance between two points. Measuring the distance between two points 1. Click on Edit > Measure. 2. In the graphical view (CAM view/3dview/machining view), click on the starting point from which to measure. 3. Move the mouse to the second point in order to measure the distance. The mouse cursor draws a line. 4. Read the length of the line from the status bar of CircuitPro PM. Fig. 145: Measure The distance between the two points is measured. 132 V LPKF AG

133 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Distance Use the Distance dialog to measure the distance between two objects that are on the same layer. Measuring the distance between two objects 1. Click on Edit > Distance The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 146: Distance 2. Select an object in the drop-down list First object. 3. Select the second object in the drop-down list Second object. Tip You can also click on the desired objects in the CAM view. 1. Click on the radio button of First object in the dialog. 2. Click on the desired object in the CAM view. The name of the selected object is transferred to the First object field. 3. Repeat steps one and two for the Second object field. The distance between the two objects is measured. Two distances are displayed: Between center of objects: This value is the distance between the center points of the objects. Minimum: This value is the shortest distance between the two objects. Tip If you do not know the name of an object, you can find it in the Properties pane. Select the object and click on the item General in the Properties pane. The name property of the selected object is displayed. The distance between the two objects was measured LPKF AG V

134 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Set anchor point An anchor point is a reference point in the drawn object. In the CAM view, the anchor point is marked by a magenta-colored asterisk (see following figure). Fig. 147: Anchor point in CAM view Using the anchor point function, you can determine the object reference points. Click onto a reference point of the object and read the coordinates in the status bar of CircuitPro PM (Anchor point X and Y). Fig. 148: Anchor point in object 1 2 /1/ Object reference point /2/ Anchor point You can change the position of the anchor point by entering new X and Y values and thus setting a new starting point for a drawn object. 134 V LPKF AG

135 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Setting an anchor point 1. Click on Edit > Set anchor point... The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 149: Set anchor point 2. Enter the X value of the anchor point. 3. Enter the Y value of the anchor point. 4. Click on [Apply]. The values of the anchor point are displayed in the status bar of CircuitPro PM. The anchor point is set LPKF AG V

136 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Set Zero Point The zero point is a reference point used for measured and computed values. You can shift the zero point in the CAM view. This moves the zero point to the current anchor point. Thus, you can start new measurements /computations from this new zero point. Fig. 150: Set zero point on current anchor point /1/ Cursor position=zero point /2/ X and Y value of the cursor position /3/ X and Y value of the anchor point /4/ Position of the anchor point Setting the zero point 1. Click on Edit > Set zero point... The zero point is moved to the current anchor point. 136 V LPKF AG

137 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Move anchor to center point Fig. 151: Mark object Using the function "Move anchor to center point", you can set the current anchor point to the central point of the object marked. Setting the anchor to the central point 1. Mark the center point of the object to which you would like to move the anchor point. The object is marked: 1 /1/ Current anchor point Fig. 152: Mark object 2. Click on Edit > Move anchor to center point The anchor point is moved to the center point of the object: 1 /1/ Moved anchor point The anchor point was moved to the center point LPKF AG V

138 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Move layer to zero Use Move layer to zero to move flash objects of a layer to the zero point of the layer: Fig. 153: Move layer to zero 1 2 /1/ Cursor position=zero point /2/ Object to be moved Moving a flash object to the layer's zero point 1. Select the flash object /2/ that you want to move to the layer's zero point /1/. The object is highlighted in grey. 2. Click on Edit > Move layer to zero. 138 V LPKF AG

139 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The flash object is moved to the layer's zero point: Fig. 154: Flash object moved to the layer's zero point The flash object was successfully moved to the layer's zero point LPKF AG V

140 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Match up layers Use the function Match up layers to align flashed objects that are on different layers. Note Use Draw to flash in the Edit menu to convert objects into flash objects. For a detailed procedure see the corresponding chapter. The selected object is moved to the center of the object that is on the reference layer. The center points of the two objects are aligned. Note Please note that the whole layer is moved together with the object to be aligned. Thus, all object of the layer are assigned new coordinates. The following figure shows two flash objects. They are on the layers TopLayer and BottomLayer and are to be aligned: Fig. 155: Flash objects 1 2 /1/ Flash object on TopLayer /2/ Flash object on BottomLayer The center point of the flash object on TopLayer (see /1/) has the coordinates X=7 and Y=7. The center point of the flash object on BottomLayer (see /2/) has the coordinates X=15 and Y= V LPKF AG

141 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Matching up layers 1. Click on Edit > Match up layers The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 156: Match up layers 1 2 /1/ Radio button for the layer to be aligned /2/ Radio button for the reference layer 2. Activate the radio button /1/ for selecting the layer to be aligned. 3. In the CAM view, click on the object whose center point is to be aligned to the reference layer. Fig. 157: Selecting the layer to be aligned 1 /1/ Coordinates of the selected object and name of the layer The object is highlighted in grey. The coordinates of the object and the name of its layer are displayed in the dialog. 4. Activate the radio button /2/ (see figure above) for the reference layer. 5. Click on the object whose center point is to be used as the reference for the object to be aligned LPKF AG V

142 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Fig. 158: Selecting the reference layer 1 /1/ Coordinates of the selected object and name of the layer The object is highlighted in grey. The coordinates of the object and the name of its layer are displayed in the dialog. 6. Click on [Apply]. The layer to be aligned is aligned to the reference layer: Fig. 159: Layer aligned 142 V LPKF AG

143 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The center points of both objects have the coordinates X=15 and Y=2. You can find these values in the status bar of CircuitPro PM and also in the Properties pane of each object: Fig. 160: Properties The layers have been aligned successfully LPKF AG V

144 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Match up objects Use the function Match up objects to align any geometrical object (circle, rectangle, circle path, polygon etc.). The objects to be aligned do not have to be on the same layer. This function places the object to be aligned on the center of the reference object. The following figure shows a circle and a rectangle. They are on the layers SolderMaskTop and BottomLayer and are to be aligned: Fig. 161: Drawn objects 2 1 /1/ Circle object on layer SolderMaskTop /2/ Rectangle object on BottomLayer Aligning objects 1. Click on Edit > Match up objects The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 162: Match up objects 1 2 /1/ Radio button for the object to be aligned /2/ Radio button for the reference object 2. Activate the radio button /1/ for selecting the object to be aligned. 3. In the CAM view, click on the object that is to be aligned: 144 V LPKF AG

145 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Fig. 163: Selecting object to align 1 1 /1/ Coordinates and name of the selected object The object is highlighted in grey. The coordinates and the name of the object are displayed in the dialog. 4. Activate the radio button /2/. 5. Click on the object that is to serve as the reference object. The object to be moved will be centered on this object: 2014 LPKF AG V

146 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Fig. 164: Selecting reference object 1 1 /1/ Coordinates and name of the selected object The reference object is highlighted in grey. The coordinates and the name of the object are displayed in the dialog. 6. Click on [Apply]. The object to be aligned is moved onto the center of the reference object. Fig. 165: Object aligned The operation Match up objects is finished successfully. 146 V LPKF AG

147 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Delete Use this function to delete the currently selected objects. Deleting selected objects in the CAM view Note Please ensure that the selection mode (arrow icon /1/) is activated (see following figure). 1. In the CAM view, click on the object to be deleted: Fig. 166: Selecting an object for deletion 1 2 /1/ Selection mode icon /2/ Selected object The object is highlighted in grey. 2. Click on Edit > Delete. The selected object is deleted LPKF AG V

148 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Menu Insert Fig. 167: Menu Insert The Insert menu contains several objects that can be created in the CAM view. Click on the Insert menu item to open the submenu: The following table contains short descriptions of the functions of the individual menu items: Table 32: Insert menu functions Menu item Description Open path Closed path Polygon Rectangle Circle Circle path Flash Creates an open path in the CAM view. Creates a closed path in the CAM view. Creates a polygon in the CAM view. Creates a rectangle in the CAM view. Creates a circle in the CAM view. Creates a circle path in the CAM view. Creates a flash object in the CAM view. 148 V LPKF AG

149 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Table 32: Insert menu functions Menu item Description Text Polygon with cutouts Copper pouring Rubout area Fiducial Topography Drill hole Milling curve Creates a text object in the CAM view. Creates a polygon with cutouts in the CAM view. Creates an insulated copper area around conductive tracks. Creates an area where all unnecessary copper is removed. Creates fiducials in the CAM view. Creates grid points for recognizing the board topography. Inserts drill holes in the CAM view. Inserts a toolpath in the CAM view Open path The menu item Open Path lets you create any open path consisting of line segments and arcs. You can combine line segments and arcs thus forming the open path: Fig. 168: Open path examples There are different ways to create an open path: Entering the X and Y values of the segment in the dialog window. Moving the mouse pointer to the desired position in the CAM view thus drawing the segment/arc. Please ensure that the selection mode (arrow icon) is activated (see following figure): 2014 LPKF AG V

150 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Fig. 169: Selection mode (arrow icon) activated Note You have to be in the CAM view of CircuitPro to be able to insert or modify geometrical forms (open paths, polygons, etc.) of the design! Creating an open path with segments 1. Click on Insert > Open path. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 170: Open path 2. In the drop-down list, select the layer where you want to create the open path. 3. Select either absolute or a relative start point by clicking on the corresponding radio button. Note The absolute start point is computed using the X and Y coordinates starting from the zero point. If you want to create more than one open path you can make all paths start from the same starting point using the Absolute start point option. The relative start point is variable. Once you have created a segment, the relative start point moves automatically to the end of this segment to serve as start point for the next segment to be created. Note Please note that the magenta-colored asterisk in the view always denotes the anchor point, not the zero point! 4. Enter the X and Y value of the start point in millimeters. 150 V LPKF AG

151 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 5. Enter the X and Y values of the segment. 6. Select the desired curve width : Fig. 171: Creating a segment Aperture: If your document contains an aperture list you can select an aperture for creating the open path. If no aperture list is stored in your document, a line without defined width is created. Numeric: The Numeric option lets you define the line width in millimeters. 7. Click on [Set]. The segment is created. Function of the Apply and Set buttons: Note Once you have created a segment you can finish your entries using either [Apply] or [Set]. If you use [Set] you can still remove the segment by clicking on [Remove last]. You can add as many segments as you like. If you use [Apply] for creating the segment, it cannot be removed afterwards. You also cannot add any more segments. 8. Repeat the above steps if you want to create another segment. 9. Click on [Apply] to create the open path. Or 2014 LPKF AG V

152 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Press the right mouse button as an alternative. The context menu is displayed: Fig. 172: Creating a second segment 10. Click on End to finish creating the open path. The open path is created. 11. Click on [Close] in the dialog. The dialog is closed. The open path with segments is created. Procedure without entering X and Y values: Tip You can also create segments in CircuitPro without entering coordinates. You can just use the mouse pointer. 1. Press the left mouse button at the desired start point of the segment in the CAM view. 2. Move the mouse pointer to the desired position in the CAM view. 3. Press the left mouse button. The segment is created. A left-click corresponds to clicking the [Set] button in the dialog. Pressing the right mouse button opens the context menu and you can finish creating the path by clicking on End. This corresponds to clicking on [Apply] in the dialog. 152 V LPKF AG

153 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 If you want to abort creating the path press the ESC key. Tip Creating an open path with arcs and segments You can combine as many line segments and arcs as you like when creating an open path. This example describes how to create an arc that combined with a line segment forms an open path. 1. Perform the steps 1 to 7 of Creating an open path with segments. A line segment is created. 2. Activate the radio button Make arc Or 2. Press the right mouse button and select Arc in the context menu. Fig. 173: Selecting Arc in context menu 3. Select whether the direction of the arc should be Clockwise or Counterclockwise. 4. Enter the radius of the arc. 5. Enter the opening angle of the arc. Creating arcs with the mouse pointer 1. Activate the Arc option in the dialog or in the context menu. Tip 2. In the CAM view, click on the desired end point of the arc. 3. Drag the mouse to the left or to the right until the arc has the desired size. 6. Click on [Apply] LPKF AG V

154 ca 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 An arc is created: Fig. 174: Creating an arc 7. Click on [Close] in the dialog. The dialog is closed. The open path with an arc and a segment is created. 154 V LPKF AG

155 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Closed path The menu item Closed Path lets you create any closed path consisting of line segments and arcs. You can combine as many line segments and arcs as you like. Creating a closed path requires at least two segments or two arcs or one segment plus one arc. These form the closed path in the end. Fig. 175: Examples closed paths with segments and arcs There are different ways to create a closed path: Entering the X and Y values of the segment in the dialog window. Moving the mouse pointer to the desired position in the CAM view thus drawing the segment/arc. Please ensure that the selection mode (arrow icon) is activated (see following figure): Fig. 176: Selection mode (arrow icon) activated Note You have to be in the CAM view of CircuitPro PM to be able to insert or modify geometrical forms (open paths, polygons, etc.) of the design! 2014 LPKF AG V

156 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Creating a closed path with segments 1. Click on Insert > Closed path. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 177: Closed path 2. In the drop-down list, select the layer where you want to create the closed path. 3. Select either absolute or a relative start point by clicking on the corresponding radio button. Note The absolute start point is computed using the X and Y coordinates starting from the zero point. If you want to create more than one closed path you can make all paths start from the same starting point using the Absolute start point option. The relative start point is variable. Once you have created a segment, the relative start point moves automatically to the end of this segment to serve as start point for the next segment to be created. Note Please note that the magenta-colored asterisk in the view always denotes the anchor point, not the zero point.! 4. Enter the X and Y value of the start point in millimeters. 5. Enter the X and Y values of the segment. 6. Select the desired curve width : 156 V LPKF AG

157 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Fig. 178: Creating a segment Aperture: If your document contains an aperture list you can select an aperture for creating the open path. If no aperture list is stored in your document, a line without defined width is created. Numeric: The Numeric option lets you define the line width in millimeters. 7. Click on [Set]. The segment is created. Function of the Apply and Set buttons: Note Once you have created a segment you can finish your entries using either [Apply] or [Set]. If you use [Set] you can still remove the segment by clicking on [Remove last]. You can add as many segments as you like. If you use [Apply] for creating the segment, it cannot be removed afterwards. You also cannot add any more segments 8. Repeat the steps above to create at least one more segment for creating the closed path: 2014 LPKF AG V

158 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Fig. 179: Creating a second segment 9. Click on [Apply] to combine the segments created to a closed path. Or 10. Press the right mouse button as an alternative. The context menu is displayed: Fig. 180: Opening the context menu 10. Click on Close in the context menu. 158 V LPKF AG

159 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The path is closed: Fig. 181: Opening the context menu 11. Click on [Close] in the dialog. The dialog is closed. The closed path with segments is created. Tip Procedure without entering X and Y values: You can also create segments in CircuitPro PM without entering coordinates. You can just use the mouse pointer. 1. Press the left mouse button at the start point of the segment. 2. Move the mouse pointer to the desired position in the CAM view. 3. Press the left mouse button. The segment is created. A left-click corresponds to clicking the [Set] button in the dialog. Pressing the right mouse button opens the context menu and you can finish creating the path by clicking on End. This corresponds to clicking on [Apply] in the dialog. If you want to abort creating the path press the ESC key. Tip 2014 LPKF AG V

160 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Creating a closed path with arcs and line segments You can combine as many line segments and arcs as you like when creating a closed path. This example describes how to create an arc that combined with a line segment forms a closed path. 1. Perform the steps 1 to 7 of Creating a closed path with segments. A line segment is created. 2. Activate the radio button Make arc in the dialog. Or 2. Press the right mouse button and select Arc in the context menu. Fig. 182: Selecting Arc in context menu 3. Select whether the direction of the arc should be Clockwise or Counterclockwise. 4. Enter the radius of the arc. 5. Enter the opening angle of the arc. Tip Creating arcs with the mouse pointer 1. Activate the Arc option in the dialog or in the context menu. 2. In the CAM view, click on the desired end point of the arc. 3. Drag the mouse to the left or to the right until the arc has the desired size. 6. Click on [Set]. 160 V LPKF AG

161 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 An arc is created: Fig. 183: Creating an arc 7. Click on Apply in the dialog or Close in the context menu. The path is closed: Fig. 184: Closing an open path 2014 LPKF AG V

162 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Click on [Close] in the dialog. The dialog is closed. The closed path with an arc and a segment is created Polygon The menu item Polygon lets you create any polygon area using line segments and arcs. Creating a polygon requires at least two segments or two arcs or one segment plus one arc. These are connected in a final step forming the polygon surface area. Fig. 185: Polygon There are different ways to create a polygon: Entering the X and Y values of the segments in the dialog. Moving the mouse pointer to the desired position in the CAM view thus drawing a segment/arc. Please ensure that the selection mode (arrow icon) is activated (see following figure): Fig. 186: Selection mode (arrow icon) activated Note You have to be in the CAM view of CircuitPro PM to be able to insert or modify geometrical forms (open paths, polygons, etc.) of the design! 162 V LPKF AG

163 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Creating a polygon with line segments 1. Click on Insert > Polygon. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 187: Polygon 2. In the drop-down list, select the layer where you want to create the polygon. 3. Select either absolute or a relative start point by clicking on the corresponding radio button. Note The absolute start point is computed using the X and Y coordinates starting from the zero point. If you want to create more than one polygon you can make all polygons start from the same starting point using the Absolute start point option. The relative start point is variable. Once you have created a segment, the relative start point moves automatically to the end of this segment to serve as start point for the next segment to be created. Note Please note that the magenta-colored asterisk in the view always denotes the anchor point, not the zero point! 4. Enter the X and Y value of the start point in millimeters LPKF AG V

164 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Fig. 188: Creating a segment 5. Enter the X and Y values of the segment. 6. Click on [Set]. The segment is created. Function of the Apply and Set buttons: Note Once you have created a segment you can finish your entries using either [Apply] or [Set]. If you use [Set] you can still remove the segment by clicking on [Remove last]. You can add as many segments as you like. If you use [Apply] for creating the segment, it can not be removed afterwards. You also cannot add any more segments. 7. Repeat the steps above to create at least one more segment for creating the polygon area: 164 V LPKF AG

165 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Fig. 189: Creating a second segment 8. Click on [Apply] to combine the segments created to a polygon area. Or 9. Press the right mouse button as an alternative. The context menu is displayed: Fig. 190: Close polygon 9. Click on Close in the context menu LPKF AG V

166 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The polygon is created: Fig. 191: Polygon area 10. Click on [Close] in the dialog. The dialog is closed. The polygon is created. Procedure without entering X and Y values: Tip You can also create segments in CircuitPro PM without entering coordinates. You can just use the mouse pointer. 1. Press the left mouse button at the start point of the segment. 2. Move the mouse pointer to the desired position in the CAM view. 3. Press the left mouse button. The segment is created. A left-click corresponds to clicking the [Set] button in the dialog. Pressing the right mouse button opens the context menu and you can finish creating the polygon by clicking on Close. This corresponds to clicking on [Apply] in the dialog. If you want to abort creating the polygon press the ESC key. Tip 166 V LPKF AG

167 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Creating a polygon with arcs and line segments You can combine as many line segments and arcs as you like when creating a polygon. This example shows how to create a polygon area with two line segments and two arcs. 1. Perform the steps 1 to 7 of Creating a polygon with line segments. A line segment is created. Fig. 192: Creating a segment 2. Activate the radio button Make Arc in the dialog. Or 2. Press the right mouse button and select Arc in the context menu. Fig. 193: Selecting Arc in context menu 3. Select whether the direction of the arc should be Clockwise or Counterclockwise. 4. Enter the radius of the arc. 5. Enter the opening angle of the arc LPKF AG V

168 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Tip Creating arcs with the mouse pointer 1. Activate the Arc option in the dialog or in the context menu. 2. In the CAM view, click on the desired end point of the arc. 3. Drag the mouse to the left or to the right until the arc has the desired size. 6. Click on [Set]. An arc is attached to the line segment: Fig. 194: Creating an arc 7. Create another line segment: 168 V LPKF AG

169 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Fig. 195: Attaching a segment to an arc 8. Insert another arc: Fig. 196: Attaching an arc to a segment 9. To finish the polygon, click on Apply in the dialog or Close in the context menu LPKF AG V

170 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Fig. 197: Selecting Close in context menu The polygon is created: Fig. 198: Polygon area 10. Click on [Close] in the dialog. The dialog is closed. The polygon with two line segments and two arcs is created. 170 V LPKF AG

171 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Rectangle The Rectangle function lets you create rectangles of any size. Fig. 199: Rectangle There are different ways to create a rectangle: Entering the X and Y values of the rectangle in the dialog. Moving the mouse pointer to the desired position in the CAM view thus drawing the rectangle. Please ensure that the selection mode (arrow icon) is activated (see following figure): Fig. 200: Selection mode (arrow icon) activated Note You have to be in the CAM view of CircuitPro PM to be able to insert or modify geometrical forms (open paths, polygons, etc.) of the design! 2014 LPKF AG V

172 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Creating a rectangle 1. Click on Insert > Rectangle. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 201: Create Rectangle 2. In the drop-down list, select the layer where you want to create the rectangle. 3. Select either an absolute or a relative start point and end point by clicking on the corresponding radio button. Note The absolute start point is computed using the X and Y coordinates starting from the zero point. If you want to create more than one rectangle you can make all rectangles start from the same starting point using the Absolute start point option. The relative start point is variable. Once you have created a rectangle, the relative start point moves automatically to the end of this rectangle to serve as start point for the next rectangle to be created. Note Please note that the magenta-colored asterisk in the view always denotes the anchor point, not the zero point! 4. Enter the X and Y value of the start point in millimeters. 5. Enter the X and Y value of the end point in millimeters. 6. Click on [Create]. You can also create the rectangle using the mouse by clicking on the desired start point in the view and drawing the rectangle. Tip Please ensure that the selection mode (arrow icon) is activated. 7. Click on [Close]. The rectangle is created. 172 V LPKF AG

173 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Circle The Circle function lets you create circles of any size. Fig. 202: Circles There are different ways to create a circle: Entering the circle center and the diameter in the dialog. Moving the mouse pointer to the desired position in the CAM view thus drawing the circle. Please ensure that the selection mode (arrow icon) is activated (see following figure): Fig. 203: Selection mode (arrow icon) activated Note You have to be in the CAM view of CircuitPro PM to be able to insert or modify geometrical forms (open paths, polygons, etc.) of the design! 2014 LPKF AG V

174 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Creating a circle 1. Click on Insert > Circle. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 204: Create Circle 2. In the drop-down list, select the layer where you want to create the circle. 3. You can choose between the options Absolute and Relative : Absolute: If Absolute is activated, the center point of the circle is computed using the X and Y coordinates starting from the zero point. If, for example, the X and Y values are left at 0 mm and only a radius is entered, the center point of the circle is at the zero point. If you enter an X and a Y value, the center point of the circle is computed from the zero point with the coordinates entered. Fig. 205: Absolute option 2 1 /1/ Zero point = anchor point /2/ New circle ( 10 mm) The figure above shows how a circle with a diameter of 10 mm is created. The center point of the circle (see /2/) is at the coordinates X=40 and Y=40 from the zero point (see /1/). Relative to anchor point: If the option Relative to anchor point is activated, the center point of the circle is computed using the X and Y coordinates starting from the anchor point. 174 V LPKF AG

175 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 If, for example, the X and Y values are left at 0 mm and only a radius is entered, the center point of the circle is set to the current anchor point. If you enter an X and a Y value, the center point of the circle is computed from the current anchor point with the coordinates entered. Fig. 206: Relative option 2 1 /1/ Anchor point /2/ New circle ( 50 mm) 4. Enter the X and Y value of the circle's center point in millimeters. 5. Enter the circle's diameter in millimeters. You can also create the circle using the mouse by clicking on the desired center point in the view and drawing the circle. Tip 6. Click on [Apply]. 7. Click on [Close]. The circle is created LPKF AG V

176 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Circle path The Circle path function lets you create circle paths of any size. Fig. 207: Circle paths There are different ways to create a circle path: Entering the circle center and the diameter in the dialog. Moving the mouse pointer to the desired position in the CAM view thus drawing the circle path. Please ensure that the selection mode (arrow icon) is activated (see following figure): Fig. 208: Selection mode (arrow icon) activated Note You have to be in the CAM view of CircuitPro PM to be able to insert or modify geometrical forms (open paths, polygons, etc.) of the design! 176 V LPKF AG

177 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Creating a circle path 1. Click on Insert > Circle path. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 209: Create circle path 2. In the drop-down list, select the layer where you want to create the circle path. 3. You can choose between the options Absolute and Relative : Absolute: If Absolute is activated, the center point of the circle path is computed using the X and Y coordinates starting from the zero point. If, for example, the X and Y values are left at 0 mm and only a radius is entered, the center point of the circle path is at the zero point. If you enter an X and a Y value, the center point of the circle path is computed from the zero point with the coordinates entered. Fig. 210: Absolute option 1 2 /1/ Zero point = anchor point /2/ New circle path ( 10 mm) The figure above shows how a circle path with a diameter of 10 mm is created. The center point of the circle path (see /2/) is at the coordinates X=40 and Y=40 from the zero point (see /1/). Relative: If Relative is activated, the center point of the circle path is computed using the X and Y coordinates starting from the anchor point LPKF AG V

178 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 If, for example, the X and Y values are left at 0 mm and only a radius is entered, the center point of the circle path is set to the current anchor point. If you enter an X and a Y value, the center point of the circle path is computed from the current anchor point with the coordinates entered. Fig. 211: Relative option 2 1 /1/ Anchor point /2/ New circle path ( 50 mm) 4. Enter the X and Y value of the circle path's center point in millimeters. 5. Enter the circle path's diameter in millimeters. Tip You can also create the circle path using the mouse by clicking on the desired center point in the view and drawing the circle path. 6. Click on [Apply]. 7. Click on [Close]. The circle path is created. 178 V LPKF AG

179 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Flash The Flash function lets you create flash objects on any layer. Note An aperture list library must be available for creating a flash object. For more information on the aperture list library see the corresponding chapter. Creating a flash object 1. Click on Insert > Flash. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 212: Create flash 2. In the drop-down list, select the layer where you want to create the flash object. 3. Select an aperture. 4. Enter the X and Y value of the flash center point in millimeters. Fig. 213: Entering the flash coordinates 5. Click on [Apply] LPKF AG V

180 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The newly created flash object is displayed in the CAM view: Fig. 214: New flash object The flashed object is at 10 mm in X direction and 5 mm in Y direction from the zero point. Note The above figure shows the flash object at a much larger scale for better illustration. The anchor point (magenta-coloured asterisk) was set to the zero point in order to illustrate the coordinates of the flash object. The flash object is created. 180 V LPKF AG

181 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Text The Text function lets you create any text object on the layers. Defining a text 1. Click on Insert > Text. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 215: Define text 1 2 /1/ Text attributes /2/ Input field 2. Enter your text into the input field /2/. You can enter a maximum of 1000 characters. 3. Format your text if necessary using the available text attributes under /1/: Bold Italic Underline Strike through Note Please note that you can only format the whole text and not individual characters or words (in case of multiple words). Note The entered text appears in the drop-down list \Text object\. If you would like to enter another new text, please select <create new> here. 4. In the drop-down list "Destination" select the layer onto which the text is to be placed. 5. Select the text font LPKF AG V

182 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Select the mode: "Filled Area": The text's characters are complete. LPKF CircuitPro "Outline": only the outline of the text's characters is created. 7. Select the character spacing. 8. Select the line spacing. Note The input field only shows the entered text and the attributes (bold, italic, etc.) All other settings only become visible in the CAM view when you click [Apply]. 9. Enter the X and Y coordinates of the text field. 10. Determine the alignment of the text field. 11. Enter a value for rotating the text if necessary. 12. Click on [Apply]. The view changes as follows: Fig. 216: Text rotated by If you want to mirror the text object along the X or Y axis, select the corresponding value in the drop-down list next to /Rotation/ and click on [Apply]. 182 V LPKF AG

183 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The view changes as follows: Fig. 217: Text mirrored on the Y axis The text is defined on the corresponding layer LPKF AG V

184 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Polygon with cutouts Use the function Polygon with cutouts to create cutouts of any form in a drawn polygon. Fig. 218: Polygons with cutouts To create a polygon as shown in the figure above, you need a simple polygon plus the geometric objects (rectangle, paths, circles etc.) that you want to cut from the polygon. Tip For the steps how to create a polygon see the corresponding chapter. 184 V LPKF AG

185 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Creating a polygon with cutouts The following steps show how to create a polygon with two circular cutouts. A polygon and two circles are needed for this: Fig. 219: Polygon and two circles 1. Click on Insert > Polygon with cutouts. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 220: Create polygon with cutouts The radio button {Outer} is active. 2. Select the polygon that shall remain LPKF AG V

186 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The name of the polygon is displayed in \Outer\: Fig. 221: Select polygon 3. Click on {Inner}. 4. Select the two circles. The names of the circles are displayed in \Inner\: Fig. 222: Select circles 5. Click on [Apply]. 186 V LPKF AG

187 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The view changes as follows: Fig. 223: Polygon with two circular cutouts 6. Click on [Close] in the dialog. The dialog is closed. The polygon with cutouts has been created. Tip If you do not want the objects that are used for the cutout process (in this case, the circles) to be deleted, please select the option "Keep cut objects." 2014 LPKF AG V

188 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Copper pouring Use the Copper pouring function to create isolated copper areas around conductive tracks. Fig. 224: Copper pouring example For creating a copper pouring around a conductive track as depicted in the figure above, you need a geometric shape (rectangle, circle, polygon) that represents the copper area and a path (closed or open) that represents the conductive track. For information on creating geometric shapes and paths see the corresponding chapters.. Tip 188 V LPKF AG

189 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Fig. 225: Rectangle and open path Creating a copper pouring In the following steps, a rectangular copper area is created around a conductive track. A rectangle and an open path are needed for this: Fig. 226: Create copper pouring 1. Click on Insert > Copper pouring. The following dialog is displayed: The radio button {Outer} is active. 2. Select the copper area (the rectangle in this case) LPKF AG V

190 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The name of the rectangle is displayed in \Outer\: Fig. 227: Copper area (select rectangle) 3. Click on {Inner}. 4. Select the open path: The name of the path is displayed in \Inner\: Fig. 228: Selecting the open path 190 V LPKF AG

191 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 5. Enter the offset value for the copper area. This value represents the width of the isolation. Fig. 229: Entering offset 6. Click on [Apply]. The area next to the conductive track is removed according to the offset value: Fig. 230: Isolated open path 7. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. The copper pouring is created LPKF AG V

192 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Rubout area Use the Rubout function to define areas of any shape for removal of unnecessary copper on the rubout layers, i.e., creating rubout areas. You can also create new rubout layers. Fig. 231: Rubout example /1/ Layer BoardOutline (display mode Thin Line ) /2/ Open path on BottomLayer /3/ Rubout area with toolpaths visible In order to create an area as depicted in the figure above, you need a defined BoardOutline (e.g. by creating a rectangle on the BoardOutline layer) at least one isolation object on the corresponding Top-/BottomLayer. Note In CircuitPro PM, all rubout areas on the rubout layers are rectangular. 192 V LPKF AG

193 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Creating a rubout area 1. Click on Insert > Rubout area > RuboutBottom. Note The number of rubout layers depends on the type of circuit board (single-sided/multi-layer) that you want to produce. In case of a single-sided circuit board, CircuitPro PM creates only the RuboutBottom layer automatically. In case of a double-sided circuit board, two rubout layers are created: RuboutBottom und RuboutTop. Note You can create the rubout area on any rubout layer or all rubout layers depending on your project. You can also create a new rubout layer for the process. To do this, click on Click on Insert > Rubout > Create new layer. The following dialog showing the selected layer is displayed: Fig. 232: Create rubout area Note You can change the layer for creating the rubout area at any time. Just click on the drop-down list and select the desired layer. 2. Create the rectangle for the rubout area. Tip For the steps how to create a rectangle see the corresponding chapter LPKF AG V

194 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Fig. 233: Create rectangle 3. Click on [Apply]. The rectangle for the rubout area is created. 4. Click on [Close] in the dialog. The dialog is closed. Note For creating the toolpath, you have to go to the Technology dialog. For more information on the menu item Technology dialog see corresponding chapter. 5. Click on Toolpath > Technology dialog. 194 V LPKF AG

195 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 234: Technology dialog 6. Click on the arrow buttons in the Insulate section until the isolation method Partial rubout or Complete rubout is displayed: Fig. 235: Partial rubout Fig. 236: Complete rubout 7. Select one of the two methods depending on your requirements LPKF AG V

196 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Note For more information on the settings in the Technology dialog see the corresponding chapter. If you want to create only the toolpath for the rubout area, deactivate the other processing steps (contour routing, convert to toolpath) by removing the check marks next to the respective functions. Fig. 237: Deactivated functions in the Technology dialog 8. Click on [Start]. 196 V LPKF AG

197 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The rubout area is created. The computation results are displayed. Fig. 238: Rubout area computation results The rubout area is created. Creating a new rubout layer 1. Click on Insert > Rubout area > Create new layer. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 239: Create new layer Note The name of the layer is assigned automatically by CircuitPro PM. The first new layer is named Rubout. For the following layers, the name has a counter that is incremented thus creating Rubout_1, Rubout_2 etc. 2. Perform the steps two to eight of Creating a rubout area. A rubout area is created on the new rubout layer LPKF AG V

198 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Fiducial Fiducials are optical marks on the surface of the circuit board that are used for aligning the circuit board. The fiducials are drilled into the board and are recognised by the cameras of the ProtoMat systems. The sub-menu Fiducial lets you create fiducials and fiducial layers. The following figure shows four fiducials placed near the corners of the circuit board. Fig. 240: Circuit board with fiducials Note Creating fiducials corresponds to creating circles in CircuitPro. For more information on the creating circles see the corresponding chapter. 198 V LPKF AG

199 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Creating fiducials 1. Click on Insert > Fiducial > Fiducial. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 241: Create circle Note The Fiducial layer is automatically created. If you have created other fiducial layers, these are displayed in the dropdown list. 2. Click on the position in the CAM view where you want to place the fiducial. Or 2. Enter the coordinates for the center point of the circle in millimeters and click on [Apply]. Note Fiducials have a predefined diameter of 1.5 mm that cannot be changed. The fiducials are created. 3. Click on [Close] in the dialog. The fiducials are created. Creating a new fiducial layer 1. Click on Insert > Fiducial > Create new layer. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 242: Creating a new fiducial layer The name of the layer is assigned automatically by CircuitPro. Note The first new layer is named Fiducial_1. For the following layers, the name counter is incremented thus creating Fiducial_2, Fiducial_3 etc. The new fiducial layer is created LPKF AG V

200 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Topography The menu item Topography lets you define points on a separate topography layer that is used for determining the topography. Determining the topography is required for setting a defined distance between the dispenser needle and the surface of the material during the dispense process. Fig. 243: Circuit board with topography points Note Defining topography points corresponds to creating circles in CircuitPro PM. For more information on creating circles see the corresponding chapter. 200 V LPKF AG

201 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Defining topography points. 1. Click on Insert > Topography > Topography. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 244: Defining topography points CircuitPro PM automatically creates a topography layer where you can define the points. Note 2. Click on the position in the CAM view where you want to define the topography point(s). Or 2. Enter the coordinates for the center point of the circle in millimeters and click on [Apply]. Note Topography points have a predefined diameter of 1.5 mm that cannot be changed. The topography point(s) is (are) defined. 3. Click on [Close] in the dialog. The topography point(s) is (are) defined LPKF AG V

202 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Creating a new topography layer 1. Click on Insert > Topography > Create new layer. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 245: Create new layer Note The name of the layer is assigned automatically by CircuitPro PM. The first new layer is named Topography. For the following layers, the name has a counter that is incremented thus creating Topography_1, Topography_2 etc. 2. Click on [Apply] in the dialog. The topography layer is created. 202 V LPKF AG

203 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Drill hole Use the function "Drill hole" to insert holes of different sizes into your layout. Fig. 246: Example for drilling holes Note The drill hole sizes correspond to the diameters of the available drilling tools. Tip Place the holes that will be used for through-hole contact on the layer Drill Plated. Place all other holes on the layer Drill Unplated LPKF AG V

204 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Creating a drill hole 1. Click on Insert > Drill hole The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 247: Create drill hole 2. First select the phase in which the whole is to be drilled during processing. 3. In the drop-down menu \Layer\, select the layer in which the hole shall be drilled: Fig. 248: Select layer 204 V LPKF AG

205 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 4. In the drop-down menu \Tool\, select the drilling tool which is to be used to drill the hole: Fig. 249: Select tool 5. If you do not want to add marking drills, uncheck the option Add marking drill and continue with step In the dropdown list select a tool and a phase, the marking drills should be generated within. Fig. 250: Add marking drill 7. In the CAM view, click on where you would like to drill the hole. Or 7. Enter the coordinates for the center point of the circle in mm and click on [Apply]. Note The hole diameters correspond to the diameters of the drilling tools. The holes are positioned. 8. Click on [Close] in the dialog. The dialog is closed. The drill hole has been created LPKF AG V

206 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Milling curve Using the function Milling curve you can convert open/closed paths directly into milling curves or manually insert milling curves directly into the layout. Note The technology dialog, used to create toolpaths, does not convert paths directly into milling curves. Either insulation or contours are generated around the paths. Creating a milling curve 1. Click on Insert > Milling curve The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 251: Create milling curve 2. First select a phase in the field \Phase:\, in which the milling curve is to be created during processing. 3. Select the layer in the field \Layer\, on which the milling curve is to be created. 4. Select a tool in the field \Tool\, with which the milling curve is to be created. 5. Select either an absolute or a relative starting point by clicking on the corresponding setting. Note The absolute start point is computed using the X and Y coordinates starting from the zero point. If you want to create more than one open path you can make all paths start from the same starting point using the Absolute start point option. The relative start point is variable. Once you have created a segment, the relative start point moves automatically to the end of this segment to serve as start point for the next segment to be created. Note For more information on creating paths, please refer to the relevant chapters Open path and Closed path. 6. Enter the X and Y value of the starting point in mm. 7. Activate the radio button Arc if you want to create an arc. 206 V LPKF AG

207 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 8. Enter the radius and the angle of the arc. Or 8. Enter the X and Y coordinates of the segment. 9. Click on [Apply]. The milling curve has been created. Procedure without entering X and Y values: Tip You can also create segments in CircuitPro PM without entering coordinates. You can just use the mouse pointer. 1. Press the left mouse button at the desired start point of the segment in the CAM view. 2. Move the mouse pointer to the desired position in the CAM view. 3. Press the left mouse button. The segment is created. A left-click corresponds to clicking the [Set] button in the dialog. Pressing the right mouse button opens the context menu and you can finish creating the path by clicking on End. This corresponds to clicking on [Apply] in the dialog LPKF AG V

208 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Menu Toolpath Fig. 252: Menu Toolpath The Toolpath menu contains the functions for setting parameters and creating the paths for milling, routing, and dispensing solder paste. Click on the Toolpath menu item to open the submenu: The following table contains short descriptions of the functions of the individual menu items: Table 33: Toolpath menu functions Menu item Dispense Description Opens a dialog to create toolpaths for dispensing solder paste. 2.5D milling Creates toolpaths for 2.5D operations. Technology Dialog Edit breakout tabs Opens a dialog to create toolpaths for drilling and milling. Opens a dialog to modify the breakout tabs in the contour-routing toolpath. 208 V LPKF AG

209 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Dispense The Dispense function lets you create solder paste paths on a selected layer. Afterwards, You can place circuit components on the solder paste paths. Subsequently, the circuit boards can be soldered in a reflow oven (e.g. using the LPKF ProtoFlow). Fig. 253:Dispense paths created on pads Note The dispenser has to be mounted on the machine in order to create solder paste dots on the circuit board! This dialog Dispense allows the following operations: Creating new solder paste paths on the pads Assigning new parameter sets to the dispense tools in the tool library [Add ] Edit the parameters of the dispense tools [Edit ] Edit details for creating solder paste paths [Show details] Delete dispenser tools [Delete] LPKF AG V

210 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Creating a new solder paste path on the pads 1. Click on Toolpath > Dispense. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 254: Dispense 1 /1/ List of the available dispense tools Table 34: Dispense The table contains following columns: Column Enabled Minimum size [µm] Dot distance [µm] Grid angle[ ] Margin [µm] Tool Description Activates/deactivates the corresponding dispense tool with a check mark. Shows the minimum pad size of the pad to be filled in µm. Shows the dot distance between the individual solder paste dots in µm. Shows the rotation of the solder dot grid on the pad. Shows the minimum distance of the solder paste dots to the boundary of the pad in µm. Shows the corresponding dispense tool. 2. In the Source drop-down list, select the layer where you want to create the solder paste path. Tip Create the solder paste dots on the designated solder paste layers (SolderPasteTop or SolderPasteBottom). 3. In the list, select the dispense tools that you want to use. 210 V LPKF AG

211 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Note Take care that you have activated a suitable dispense tool for each pad size of your design. Several tools can be used for creating the solder paste paths. 4. Click on [Run]. 5. Click on [Close]. The solder paste path is created on the corresponding pads. Adding new parameter sets for existing tools 1. Click on [Add ] in the dialog. Fig. 255: Adding solder paste path parameters The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 256: Pad size parameters 2. Enter the minimum pad size of the pad in µm. 3. Select a dispense tool. Note If the desired dispense tool is not in the list, you can create it in the tool library. For more information on adding tools to the tool library see the corresponding chapter. 4. Enter the dot distance between the individual solder paste dots in µm. 5. Enter a grid angle if necessary. 6. Enter the margin width. 7. Click on [OK]. The new pad size parameters are displayed in the list. The new pad size parameters are added LPKF AG V

212 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Editing existing pad size parameters 1. Select the row where you want to edit the parameters and click on [Edit ]. Fig. 257: Editing pad size parameters The dialog Pad size parameters with the details on pad size is displayed: Fig. 258: Pad size parameters 2. Modify the parameters as desired. 3. Click on [OK]. The dialog Pad size parameters is closed. The existing pad size parameters are modified. 212 V LPKF AG

213 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Fig. 259: Deleting pad size parameters Deleting existing pad size parameters 1. Select the row that you want to delete and click on [Delete]. The selected row of existing pad size parameters is deleted. Fig. 260: Show details Showing details 1. Click on [Show details] to display the global settings for creating solder paste dots: 2014 LPKF AG V

214 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The view changes as follows: Fig. 261: Details Table 35: Global settings The following global settings are possible: Function Tolerance [mm] Filling strategy Process direction Apply smoothing Replace existing toolpath Description Defines the tolerance used when checking the distance of the solder dot to the pad boundary. If a pad is filled with more than one solder dot, the solder dots can be placed based on three filling strategies: Cartesian grid Hexagonal grid Concentric Defines whether the pads are filled with solder paste From center outwards or From boundary inwards. Filling From center outwards is only available if you have selected the Concentric filling strategy. This option is only active if you have selected the Concentric filling strategy. The solder paste dots are dispensed uniformly. Replaces the existing solder paste path by the newly created solder paste path in the CAM view. If the option is deactivated, the new solder paste path is created over the existing one. 2. Modify the parameters if necessary. 3. Click on [Run]. 214 V LPKF AG

215 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The changes are stored. Changes made in these fields are valid for all dispense tools. Note 4. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. The details were shown LPKF AG V

216 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Create 2.5D milling To create a 3D part you need to create 2.5D toolpaths with a defined Z value. After creating your design in the CAM view Circuit Pro PM generates the necessary 2.5D toolpaths to start the processing of your 3D part. Creating 2.5D milling 1. Click on Toolpath > 2.5D milling The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 262: Create 2.5D milling /1/ Source /2/ Tool /3/ Options 216 V LPKF AG

217 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The sections contain following information/options: Table 36: Create 2.5D milling Section Source Tool Options Generate on both sides Generate start drills Replace existing toolpath Generate fiducials Description Here the source object is displayed, the toolpaths are created for. This list shows all available tools to generate 2.5D toolpaths. In case of a double-sided object you can specify if the toolpaths should only be created on the top or bottom side. By default the toolpaths are generated on both sides of an object. Here you can specify if start drills should be created. The start drills are used by the milling tools to start milling a line. Here you can specify if already existing toolpaths should be replaced. Here you can specify if fiducials should be generated for the toolpaths. Source: Indicates the layer where the fiducials should be generated. Tool: Indicates the tool that should generate he fiducials. Phase: Indicates the phase where the fiducial should be generated. Tolerance: Indicates the tolerance that is used to calculate or check the position and the distances of the toolpaths. 2. Activate the tool s checkboxes that you want to use for creating the 2.5D toolpaths. 3. Enable/disable the options you need for creating the toolpaths. Note Please note that at least one drilling tool must be enabled if you want to create start drills. 4. Click on [OK]. The 2.5D toolpaths are created LPKF AG V

218 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Technology Dialog The technology dialog lets you create toolpaths that you can use in processing for the following steps: Insulate Contour routing Drilling holes Drilling fiducials Milling pockets Creating toolpaths 1. Click on Toolpath > Technology Dialog. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 263: Technology Dialog /1/ Material and processing settings /2/ Insulation options /3/ Contour routing options /4/ Options for creating holes, fiducials and pockets 2. Select your material type in the corresponding drop-down list. 3. If your project is a radio frequency application, activate the corresponding check box <RF application>. Note If you process the project with the enabled option RF application the penetration depth of the cutter is optimized and the Universal Cutter is replaced by the End Mill (RF). 4. Activate the functions with check marks: 218 V LPKF AG

219 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Insulate Fig. 264: Insulate The Insulate section offers four different insulation methods: Basic: Insulation with a single insulation channel and the shortest processing time. Basic, pads double: Insulation with a single insulation channel and a double insulation channel for pads. Processing takes a little more time than the Basic method. Partial rubout: Insulation with a single insulation channel and removal of copper in defined areas. Complete rubout: Entire removal of unnecessary copper. This is the most precise insulation method. Table 37: Insulate Function Description Source Primary Available tools Insulation width Pads insulation Defines the layers where the insulation will be created. Shows the tool that is used as primary tool for the insulation process. This list contains the tools that are used as default for creating the individual toolpaths. Defines the width of the insulation channel in mm. Defines the width of the pads insulation if an insulation method with an extra pads insulation is selected. channels Rubout Tolerance Generate optimized rubout Defines the number of additional insulations. Defines whether and on which layer a rubout is performed. In addition, you can select how the rubout area is going to be processed. Defines the tolerance used for computing and checking the positions and distances of the toolpaths. Optimizes the toolpaths for rubout areas with regard to the number of tools used. Remove Spikes Automatically remove residual copper that 2014 LPKF AG V

220 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Table 37: Insulate Function Description remains as spikes (e.g. between two connecting conductive tracks). This prevents that the copper in these areas is pulled off unintentionally by the cleaning pad during the final cleaning process. Force insulation Perform inner insulation Replace existing toolpath Creates insulation paths for each individual insulation object. This guarantees insulation of every object even if the distance between two objects is smaller than the tool diameter. Defines for closed paths whether the inner contour is to be insulated in addition to the outer one. If a toolpath already exists, it is replaced by the newly created one. 220 V LPKF AG

221 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Fig. 265: Contour Routing Contour Routing The Contour Routing section offers six different routing methods: Basic: Contour routing without gaps Horizontal gaps: Contour routing with gaps on front and rear side. Vertical gaps: Contour routing with gaps on left and right side Edge gaps: Contour routing with one gap on each edge Corner gaps: Contour routing with one gap in each corner Equidistant gaps: Contour routing with equally spaced gaps Table 38: Contour Routing Function Inside Outside Source Tool Tabs position Gap width Distance Tolerance Replace existing toolpath Generate start drills Description The toolpath is inside the drawn BoardOutline. The toolpath is outside the drawn BoardOutline. Defines the layer(s) where the contour will be routed. Defines the tool used for contour routing. Defines the positions of the tabs, i.e. gaps in the routing. Defines the width of the tabs in mm. Defines the distance of the tabs in mm. This value is only used in the Equidistant gaps routing method. Defines the tolerance used for computing and checking the positions and distances of the toolpaths. If a toolpath already exists, it is replaced by the newly created one. This option ensures that contour routing always starts with generating a start drill LPKF AG V

222 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Drills The Drills options are for creating the toolpaths for holes in the circuit board. Fig. 266: Drills Table 39: Drills Function Description Source Tool Assign to Phase Tolerance Replace existing toolpath Create marking drills Marking tool Assign to Phase Defines the layer used for creating the holes. Defines the tool used for drilling. Usually, the tools are assigned to the holes automatically according to their diameters. Defines the phase where the hole is created. Usually, the holes are created in the phases DrillingPlated and DrillingUnplated. Defines the tolerance used for computing and checking the positions and distances of the toolpaths. If a toolpath already exists, it is replaced by the newly created one. Defines the tool used for marking. Defines the phase where the markings are created. Usually, the markings are created in the phase MarkingDrills. 222 V LPKF AG

223 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Fiducials The Fiducials options are for creating the toolpaths for fiducial holes in the circuit board. The fiducials are used for correct alignment of the circuit board after it has been turned over for example. Fig. 267: Fiducials Table 40: Fiducials Function Source Tool Assign to Phase Tolerance Replace existing toolpath Description Defines the layer used for creating the fiducials. Defines the tool used for creating the fiducials. The tool Spiral Drill 1.5mm is automatically used for creating the fiducials. Defines the phase where the fiducials are created. Usually, the fiducials are created in the phase Drill Fiducial. Defines the tolerance used for computing and checking the positions and distances of the toolpaths. If a toolpath already exists, it is replaced by the newly created one LPKF AG V

224 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Pockets Fig. 268: Pockets The Pockets options are for creating the toolpaths for pockets in the circuit board. Table 41: Pockets Function Description Tool Tolerance Replace existing toolpath Defines the tool used for milling the pockets. Defines the tolerance used for computing and checking the positions and distances of the toolpaths. If a toolpath already exists, it is replaced by the newly created one. 5. Click on [Start]. The following message is displayed: Fig. 269: Computation results Note The work steps and results of creating the toolpaths are listed in this dialog. If necessary, you can save or print its contents. 224 V LPKF AG

225 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 6. Click on [Close] in the dialog. The dialog with the computation results of the technology dialog is closed. The toolpaths are created Edit breakout tabs Fig. 270: Contours of the circuit board This function lets you modify the breakout tab positions in the contour-routing toolpath. The circuit board milled through the whole material thickness during contour routing. When creating the toolpath, you can define tabs that keep the circuit board initially fixed to the material. The dialog Edit breakout tabs position lets you edit, add or remove the positions of the tabs. 1 2 /1/ Positions of the breakout tabs /2/ Contours 1 2 Note The contours have to be already created in order to use this function. Note Ensure that the Replace existing toolpath check box is checked so that your changes are stored LPKF AG V

226 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Editing a breakout tab position 1. Click on Toolpath > Edit breakout tabs The display of the contours in the CAM view changes and the following dialog is displayed: Fig. 271: Edit breakout tabs position The circles on the contour lines in the CAM view represent the current positions of the breakout tabs. 2. Enter the gap width in mm. 3. Move the mouse pointer to the desired breakout tab position. The mouse pointer changes into a hand symbol. 4. While pressing the left mouse button, drag the circle to the position where you want to place the breakout tab. 226 V LPKF AG

227 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The X and Y values of the breakout tab position change accordingly: Fig. 272: X- and Y-values changed 5. Release the left mouse button at the desired position. The position of the breakout tab is changed. 6. Click on [Apply]. 7. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. The breakout tab position is changed LPKF AG V

228 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Adding a breakout tab 1. Click on [Add break] in the dialog: Fig. 273: Add a breakout tab A new breakout tab (circle) is created. Note New breakout tabs are always created at the same position and must be moved to the desired position manually using the mouse. 2. Enter the gap width in mm. 3. Drag the circle with the mouse to the desired position. 4. Click on [Apply]. 5. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. A new breakout tab is created. 228 V LPKF AG

229 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Removing a breakout tab position 1. Select the circle at the desired breakout tab position. 2. Click on [Remove break]. The selected breakout tab is removed. 3. Click on [Apply]. 4. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. The breakout tab position is removed LPKF AG V

230 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Menu Modify Fig. 274: Menu Modify The menu Modify contains the functions to edit geometrical objects. Click on the Modify menu item to open the submenu: Table 42: Modify menu functions The following table provides a brief description of the menu item s functions: Menu item Description Close open path Combine open paths Reduce number of element Convert to polygon Convert to closed path Draw to flash Combine to flash Closes an open path. Combines several open paths to a single open path. Reduces the number of elements for opened and closed paths and polygons. Converts a closed path into a polygon. Converts a polygon into a closed path. Converts a drawn object into a flash object and creates a new aperture. Combines objects to a flash object and creates a new aperture. 230 V LPKF AG

231 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Table 42: Modify menu functions Menu item Compare to flash Explode flash Description Converts all objects that have the same form and size and are on the same as the selected flash object. Explodes complex flash objects into individual geometric forms. 2.5D operations Opens the 2.5D operations sub-menu. Convert to 2D: This menu item applies a Z value to 2D objects thus converting them to 2.5D objects. Change Z value: This menu item allows you to change the Z value of a 2.5D object. Transform Rotate/Mirror relative Step Repeat Opens a dialog to translate, rotate, scale and invert objects. Opens the Rotate/Mirror sub-menu. Rotate 90 Mirror horizontal Mirror vertical Opens a dialog to multiply the selected objects with a defined spacing and count in X and/or Y direction LPKF AG V

232 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Close open path Use the function Close open path to convert open paths into closed paths. Closing an open path 1. Select the open path in the CAM view: Fig. 275:Selecting an open path 2. Click on Modify > Close open path. Or 232 V LPKF AG

233 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 2. Click on Close open path in the context menu: Fig. 276: Close open path 2014 LPKF AG V

234 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The open path is closed: Fig. 277: Closed path The open path has been closed. 234 V LPKF AG

235 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Combine open path The function Combine open paths lets you combine two or more open paths into one open path. Note Please note that the distance between the open paths must not be larger than the tolerance value set in the options. You can find the tolerance value in the branch Miscellaneous in the Options dialog (menu item Extras > Options). If the distance is larger than the tolerance value, the open paths will not be combined! Combining open paths 1. Select at least two open paths in the CAM view: Fig. 278:Selecting open paths 2. Click on Modify > Combine open paths. Or 2014 LPKF AG V

236 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Click on Combine open paths in the context menu. Fig. 279: Combining open paths The two open paths are combined: Fig. 280: Closed path The open paths have been combined. 236 V LPKF AG

237 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Convert to polygon Use the function Convert to polygon to convert closed paths into polygon areas. Converting to polygon 1. Select the closed path in the CAM view: Fig. 281: Selecting the closed path 2. Click on Modify > Convert to polygon. Or 2. Click on Convert to polygon in the context menu. Fig. 282: Convert to polygon 2014 LPKF AG V

238 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The closed path is converted into a polygon: Fig. 283: Polygon The closed path has been converted into a polygon Convert to closed path Fig. 284: Select polygon Use the function Convert to closed path to convert polygons into closed paths. Converting into a closed path 1. Select the polygon in the CAM view: 2. Click on Modify > Convert to closed path. 238 V LPKF AG

239 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Or 2. Click on Convert to closed path in the context menu. Fig. 285: Convert to closed path The polygon is converted into a closed path: Fig. 286: Closed path The polygon has been converted into a closed path LPKF AG V

240 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Draw to flash Use Draw to flash to convert drawn objects (circles, circle paths, rectangles etc) into flash objects. Fig. 287: Select rectangle Converting a rectangle into a flash object 1. Select the rectangle in the CAM view: 2. Click on Modify > Draw to flash. The rectangle is converted into a flash object. In addition, an aperture is created that is displayed in the Geometry pane. Fig. 288: Flashed rectangle 240 V LPKF AG

241 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Tip You can see that an object is flashed by the defined center point of the object that is displayed after flashing. The object type in the Properties pane is also changed to Flash/Drill. The rectangle is converted into a flash object Combine to flash The function Combine to flash lets you combine two or more drawn objects to one flash object. Combining drawn objects to a flash object 1. Select the objects in the CAM view: Note The objects do not have to be on the same layer. The flashed object is placed on the layer of the object drawn last. Fig. 289: Selected objects 2. Click on Modify > Combine to flash LPKF AG V

242 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 290: New Aperture 3. Enter a name for the new aperture to be created. 4. Select an aperture list for the new aperture to be created. 5. Click on [Apply]. The selected objects are combined to a flash object: Fig. 291: Objects combined to flash A new aperture is created with the specified name in the selected aperture list. The objects are now on the same layer and are combined to a flash object. The center point of the flash object is defined. The drawn objects are combined to a flash object. 242 V LPKF AG

243 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Compare to flash The function Compare to flash lets you convert objects of same shape (e.g. circles) into flash objects. If the objects have small differences in size or angle, you can have these converted into flash objects as well by entering tolerance values for size and angle. Note If the sizes of the objects differ from the size of the flash object, the size is adjusted. Thus, the drawn objects have the same size as the flash object after converting to flash. The following conditions must be met: The objects to be compared must have the same shape as the flash object. All objects must be on the same layer. Fig. 292: Initial situation /1/ flashed object (length 550 mm) /2/ rectangle (length 500 mm) /3/ rectangle (length 550 mm) /4/ rectangle (length 550 mm, 45 ) All objects are on the same layer. The rectangles (see /2/ to /4/) are to be compared with the flash object and converted into flash objects. As the rectangles are not identical (rectangle /2/ is only 500 mm long and rectangle /4/ is rotated by 45 ), using the function would only convert the identical rectangle /3/ into a flash object. In this case, it is necessary to enter tolerances for size and angle LPKF AG V

244 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Comparing rectangles with a flash object 1. Select the flash object (see /1/). 2. Click on Modify > Compare to flash. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 293: Compare to flash 3. Enter the tolerance value. As the rectangle /2/ is 50 mm shorter than the flash object, enter at least 50 so that rectangle /2/ is also converted into a flash object. 4. Enter the angle. As the rectangle /4/ is rotated by 45, enter at least 45 so that this rectangle is also converted into a flash object. Fig. 294: Enter values 5. Click on [Apply]. 244 V LPKF AG

245 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The rectangles /2/ to /4/ are converted into flash objects: Fig. 295: Flashed rectangles The Properties pane now shows all rectangles having the object type Flash/Drill. As soon as you select one of the rectangles the center point is also displayed. The rectangles were compared with the flash object and converted into flash objects LPKF AG V

246 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Explode flash This function lets you convert flash objects back into their original object types. Exploding a flash object 1. Select the flash object that you want to explode: Fig. 296: Flash object 2. Click on Modify > Explode flash. The flash object is converted into its original type, a circle. Fig. 297: Circle The flash object is exploded. 246 V LPKF AG

247 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM D operations The 2.5D operations in CircuitPro PM can apply a Z depth to any drawn 2D object. Use these operations to create pockets in a circuit board. You can also convert existing 2.5D objects in 2D objects. The following operations are available: Convert to 2.5D Change Z value Convert to 2D Convert to 2.5D The objects that you convert to 2.5D objects are created on layers PocketTop or PocketBottom depending on the project type (single-sided or double-sided circuit board). Converting a drawn object into a 2.5D object 1. Select the object to be converted: Fig. 298: Convert object 2. Click on Modify > 2.5D operations > Convert to 2.5D The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 299: Convert into 2.5D 3. Select the destination layer (PocketBottom or PocketTop). 4. Enter the Z value of the object LPKF AG V

248 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Note Create a copy If the option Create a copy is activated, the drawn 2D object is preserved on its source layer. The 2.5D object is created on the selected destination layer. If you deactivate the option Create a copy, the drawn 2D object is deleted from its source layer. Only the newly created 2.5D object on the destination layer remains. 5. Activate/deactivate the option Create a copy as desired. 6. Click on [Apply]. The 2.5D object is created according to the selected option: Fig. 300: 2.5D object with Create a copy Fig. 301: 2.5D object without Create a copy The drawn 2D object is converted into a 2.5D object. 248 V LPKF AG

249 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Change Z value If you want to change the Z value of a 2.5D object, you can use the function Change Z value.... Changing the Z value of a 2.5D object 1. Select the 2.5 object whose Z value you want to change. 2. Click on Modify > 2.5D operations > Change Z value The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 302: Change Z value 3. Enter the Z value. 4. Click on [Apply]. The Z value of the object is changed. You can check this in the Properties pane of the 2.5D object. 5. Click on [Close]. The Z value of the 2.5D object is changed LPKF AG V

250 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Convert to 2D Fig. 303: Selecting the object This function enables you to convert existing geometrical 2.5D objects in 2D objects. Converting a 2.5D object into a 2D object 1. Select the 2.5D object to be converted: 2. Click on Modify > 2.5D operations > Convert to 2D A drop down list containing all available layers, on which you can place your 2D object, is displayed: Fig. 304: Selecting a destination layer 3. Select the destination layer (in this case TopLayer). 250 V LPKF AG

251 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The 2D object is created on the selected destination layer: Fig. 305: 2D object on destination layer The 2.5D object is converted into a 2D object LPKF AG V

252 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Transform The Transform dialog lets you perform the following operations on objects in the CAM view: Translate Rotate Scale Mirror Tab Translate The Translate function lets you move objects in the CAM view as follows: Absolute translation a to a specified point from the zero point Relative translation of the object center Relative translation by entering a translation vector Moving objects 1. Select the object to be moved. 2. Click on Modify > Transform The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 306: Transform 3. Activate the desired option. 4. Enter the absolute/relative X value. 5. Enter the absolute/relative Y value. 6. Click on [Apply]. 7. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. The object is moved. 252 V LPKF AG

253 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Tab Rotate The Rotate function lets you rotate objects counter-clockwise in the following ways: Rotate around the center of the group (if more than one object is selected) Rotate around individual centers Rotate around given point (selected) Rotating objects 1. Select the object or objects to be rotated. 2. Click on Modify > Transform 3. Select the Rotate tab. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 307: Rotate 4. Enter the value of the angle. 5. Activate the desired option. Note If you activated the option Rotate around given point you have to enter the X and Y value of the point. As an alternative, you can set the desired point in the CAM view using the mouse. The object will be rotated around that defined point. 6. Click on [Apply]. 7. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. The object is rotated LPKF AG V

254 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Tab Scale The Scale function lets you modify the size of the objects as follows: Scale the group (if more than one object is selected) Scale each object individually Scaling objects 1. Select the object or objects to be scaled. 2. Click on Modify > Transform 3. Select the Scale tab. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 308: Scale 4. Activate the desired option. Scale group Scale each object individually 254 V LPKF AG

255 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Example: Your layout in the Cam view includes an open path and two circles: Fig. 309: Example If you select all objects, activate the option Scale group and enter a new size of 200%, your layout will change as follows: Fig. 310: Option Scale group 2014 LPKF AG V

256 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 If you select all objects, activate the option Scale each object individually and enter a new size of 200%, your layout will change as follows: Fig. 311: Option Scale each object individually The option Scale each object individually causes, that the objects positions are not recalculated when entering a new size. These objects remain in the original position and could therefore lead to an incorrect layout. 5. Enter a scaling factor in percent. 6. Click on [Apply]. 7. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. The object is scaled. 256 V LPKF AG

257 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Tab Mirror The Mirror function lets you mirror objects in the CAM view as follows: Mirror along the X Axis Mirror along the Y Axis Mirror along an arbitrary axis Mirroring an object 1. Select the object or objects to be mirrored. 2. Click on Modify > Transform 3. Select the Mirror tab. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 312: Mirror 4. Activate the desired option. Note If you activate the option Mirror X or Mirror Y, you can use the mouse to select the X or Y axis in the CAM view along which the object is to be mirrored. Note If you activate the option Mirror around arbitrary axis, you can enter the X and Y values to define the arbitrary axis along which the object(s) is (are) to be mirrored. As an alternative, you can use the mouse in the CAM view to set two points that define the mirror axis. 5. Click on [Apply]. 6. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. The object is mirrored LPKF AG V

258 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Rotate/Mirror relative The Rotate/Mirror relative function enables you to rotate objects in the CAM view by 90 or mirror along the X or Y axis: Fig. 313: Rotate object by 90 Rotating an object by Select the object to be rotated. 2. Click on the object's point around which the object is to be rotated: Note CircuitPro PM rotates the object(s) around the current anchor point. 3. Click on Modify > Rotate/Mirror relative > Rotate V LPKF AG

259 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The object is rotated around the anchor point by 90 : Fig. 314: Object rotated by 90 The object is rotated around the anchor point.by 90. Note The above steps apply to all rotate functions in the sub-menu Rotate/Mirror relative accordingly LPKF AG V

260 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Mirroring objects along the X axis 1. Select the object or objects to be mirrored. 2. Click on the object point through which the mirror axis is to be placed. Fig. 315: Mirror object Note The figure above shows the anchor point of the object marked with a red arrow. This is where CircuitPro PM places the mirror axis. 3. Click on Modify > Rotate/Mirror relative > Mirror X. 260 V LPKF AG

261 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The object(s) is (are) mirrored. Fig. 316:Object mirrored The object(s) is (are) mirrored along the X axis. Note The above steps apply to the Mirror Y function in the submenu Rotate/Mirror relative accordingly LPKF AG V

262 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Step Repeat The Step Repeat function lets you multiply the selected object(s) by any number in X direction, by any number in Y direction using a defined step distance. Multiplying an object 1. Select the object that you want to multiply. Fig. 317: Step and Repeat initial object 2. Click on Modify > Step Repeat The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 318: Step & Repeat dialog In this example, the object is to be multiplied by three in X direction and by two in Y direction with a step distance of 300 mm in x and Y direction. 3. Enter the repetition values in X and Y direction. 4. Enter the step distance in X and Y direction in mm. 262 V LPKF AG

263 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Note If you check the option Combine to flash, the object or group to be multiplied is converted into a flash object. You can select an aperture size for conversion into flash objects. The aperture list is displayed when you activate the option. 5. Click on [Apply]. The object is multiplied: Fig. 319: Multiplied objects 6. Click on [Close]. The object is multiplied LPKF AG V

264 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Menu View Fig. 320: Menu View The menu View allows you to show/hide the different panes and open the layouts. Click on the View menu item to open the submenu: The following table provides a brief description of the menu item s functions: Table 43: Menu functions View Menu item Description For more information, see chapter Pane Layers Shows/hides the pane Layers. see page 44 Geometry Shows/hides the pane Geometry. see page 45 Toolpath Shows/hides the pane Toolpath. see page 45 Processing Shows/hides the pane Processing. see page 46 Properties Shows/hides the pane Properties. see page 48 Tool info Shows/hides the pane Tool info. see page 49 CAM 2D Opens the view CAM 2D. see page 27 Machining 2D Opens the view Machining 2D. see page 30, 31, 32, 33 3D View Opens the view 3D View. see page 36 Navigation Shows/hides the pane Navigation : see page 50 Messages Shows/hides the pane Messages. see page 52 Fault monitor Shows/hides the pane Fault Monitor. see page V LPKF AG

265 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Table 43: Menu functions Menu item Description For more information, see chapter Pane Layouts Opens the sub menu Layouts. Here you can open the different views with the different panes: Standard CAM Compact CAM Machining Toolbars Opens the sub menu Toolbars. Here you can activate/deactivate the visibility of the individual toolbars: Modify STANDARD Process Insert Custom Status bar You find more information about the details of the different submenus in the corresponding topics of the chapter Panes LPKF AG V

266 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Menu Select Fig. 321: Menu Select The menu Select allows you to define the elements on the object which should be selected/highlighted by the mouse. Click on the Select menu item to open the submenu : The following table provides a brief description of the menu item s functions: Table 44: Menu functions Select Menu item By Polygon Invert in 2D Select all Open/Closed path Polygon Circle Rectangle Description Enable this option to create polygons by using your mouse and to select objects within the polygon. Enable this option to invert your selection in the CAM View. Selects all objects. Selects open/closed path objects. Selects polygons. Selects circles. Selects rectangles. 266 V LPKF AG

267 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Table 44: Menu functions Select Menu item Text Flash Toolpath Enable all Disable all Description Selects text objects. Selects flash objects. Selects toolpaths. Enables the selection of all objects. Disables the selection for all objects in the CAM view LPKF AG V

268 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Menu Wizards Fig. 322: Menu Wizards This menu contains several wizards to help you in PCB manufacturing. Click on the Wizards menu item to open the submenu: Table 45: Menu functions Menu item Equipment configuration wizard Process planning wizard Board Production Wizard Dispense preparation wizard Dispense process wizard Description Use the Equipment configuration wizard to define the existing equipment for the manufacturing of PCBs. Use this wizard to set the properties of the prototype project (for example: double sided with through plating). This wizard guides you through every step of the PCB manufacturing. Starts a wizard, which guides through the preparation of a dispense process. Starts a wizard, which guides through a dispense process. 268 V LPKF AG

269 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Equipment configuration wizard The equipment configuration wizard starts automatically when the program is started for the first time. This is where you define the equipment you are going to use. Opening the Equipment configuration wizard dialog 1. Click on Wizards > Equipment configuration wizard The dialog of the Equipment configuration wizard is displayed: Fig. 323: Equipment configuration wizard /1/ List of configuration steps /2/ Section for descriptions or configuration options /3/ [Next] Confirms the configuration step and switches to the next configuration step /4/ [Cancel] Closes the Equipment configuration wizard without saving the settings 2. Follow the prompts of the Equipment configuration wizard LPKF AG V

270 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 In the final step, the Equipment configuration wizard displays a summary of the settings you entered. Fig. 324: Equipment configuration wizard - Summary 3. Click on [Done], to close the Equipment configuration wizard. The Equipment configuration wizard is finished. 270 V LPKF AG

271 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Process planning wizard Use the process planning wizard to define the process components you are going to use. Opening the Process planning wizard dialog 1. Click on Wizards > Process planning wizard The dialog of the process planning wizard is displayed: Fig. 325: Process planning wizard /1/ Steps/Overview /2/ Section for descriptions or configuration options /3/ [Next] Confirms the selection and switches to the next configuration step /4/ [Cancel] Closes the process planning wizard without saving the settings 2. Follow the prompts of the process planning wizard LPKF AG V

272 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 In the final step, the process planning wizard displays a summary of the settings you entered. Fig. 326: Process planning wizard - Summary 3. Click on [Done] to close the Process planning wizard. The Process planning wizard is finished. 272 V LPKF AG

273 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Board Production Wizard The board production wizard guides you through the board production process. Opening the Board Production Wizard dialog 1. Click on Wizards > Board Production Wizard The dialog of the Board Production Wizard is displayed: Fig. 327: Board Production Wizard /1/ List of the production phases /2/ Section for prompts and display of progress /3/ [Start] Starts board production /4/ [Cancel] Closes the board production wizard and aborts the production process. 2. Follow the prompts of the board production wizard LPKF AG V

274 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The progress of the current phase and the overall progress are displayed during the whole process of board production. Fig. 328: Board Production finished 3. Click on [Finish], to close the Board Production Wizard. The Board Production Wizard is finished. 274 V LPKF AG

275 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Dispense Preparation Wizard Note Please note, that you can only use the Dispense preparation wizard with a ProtoMat S63/S103. The dispense preparation wizard guides you through the steps for preparing the dispense process. Opening the dispense preparation wizard dialog 1. Click on Wizards > Dispense preparation wizard. The dialog of the dispense preparation wizard is displayed: Fig. 329: Dispense preparation wizard /1/ List of the steps in preparing the dispense process /2/ Section for prompts and display of progress /3/ [Next] Confirms the operation and switches to the next preparation step /4/ [Cancel] Closes the dispense preparation wizard without saving the settings 2. Follow the prompts of the dispense preparation wizard. Note In order to determine the camera offset, 5 solder paste dots are applied. The last dot has a greater distance to the other dots. This last dot is used for measuring the offset. If this dot is not measured correctly the dispense process cannot be run correctly. Thus, it is essential that you check the camera image before confirming the offset in the wizard. The following scenarios may occur when measuring the camera offset: 2014 LPKF AG V

276 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Scenario 1 The camera finds the last applied dot and centers it in the camera image. 1. Click on [Accept Current Position] to apply the position. Fig. 330: Fiducial recognized automatically The Camera offset phase is finished successfully. Scenario 2 The camera finds the last applied dot but does not center it in the camera image. 1. Click on [Find and Center]. The camera centers the dot. 2. Click on [Accept Current Position]. The Camera offset phase is finished successfully. 276 V LPKF AG

277 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Scenario 3 The camera does not find the dot. 1. Use the X and Y buttons (/1/) in the Processing pane to position the last applied dot approximately at the center of the camera image. 2. Click on [Find and Center]. The camera centers the dot. 3. Click on [Accept Current Position]. Fig. 331: Fiducial not recognized automatically 1 2 /1/ X and Y buttons /2/ Camera image centered The Camera offset phase is finished successfully LPKF AG V

278 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Scenario 4 The camera finds one of the first four dots. 1. Use the X and Y buttons (/1/) in the Processing pane to position the last applied dot approximately at the center of the camera image. 2. Click on [Find and Center]. The camera centers the dot. 3. Click on [Accept Current Position]. The Camera offset phase is concluded successfully. 3. If the camera offset is successfully adjusted, follow the next instructions of the Dispense preparation wizard. The following view is displayed, if the Dispense preparation wizard is finished: Fig. 332: Dispense preparation wizard finished 4. Click on [Done], to close the Dispense preparation wizard. The Dispense preparation wizard is finished. 278 V LPKF AG

279 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Dispense process wizard The dispense process wizard guides you through the steps of the dispense process. Note Beforehand you must have created the solder paste paths and passed through the Dispense preparation wizard. Opening the dispense process wizard dialog 1. Click on Wizards > Dispense process wizard The dialog of the dispense process wizard is displayed: Fig. 333: Dispense process wizard /1/ List of process steps /2/ Section for prompts and display of progress /3/ [Next] Starts a new dispense process /4/ [Finish] Closes the dispense process wizard 2. Follow the prompts of the dispense process wizard LPKF AG V

280 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Fig. 334: Dispense process wizard finished 3. Click on [Next board], if you want to dispense solder paste on another board. Or 3. Click [Finish], if you want to close the Dispense process wizard. The Dispense process wizard is finished. 280 V LPKF AG

281 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Menu Machining Fig. 335: Menu Processing The menu Machining allows you to start/stop the processing and to make settings for the PCB processing. Click on the Machining menu item to open the submenu: The following table provides a brief description of the menu item s functions: Table 46: Menu functions Machining Menu item Process all Stop processing Production phase Placement Fiducials Measure milling width Alignment Drill reference holes Service Determine camera head offset Teach tool-holder positions Description Starts the production. Stops the production. Opens the dialog Create new phase. Then you can create a new production phase. Opens the dialog Placement. Inserts fiducials as toolpath in the machining view. Only with conical surface milling tools (Universal Cutter and Micro Cutter: the current milling width is measured. Opens the dialog Alignment. Opens the dialog Drill reference holes. Access to service functions for service staff. Starts a dialog, which guides you through the procedure to determine the camera head offset. Measures the tool position by camera LPKF AG V

282 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Table 46: Menu functions Machining Menu item Connect Description Opens the dialog Connect. CircuitPro is connecting the machine Process all The menu item Process all starts the circuit board production. The individual production phases are processed one after the other. Click on Machining > Process all to start the board production. Starting the process 1. Click on Machining > Process all. The processing has been started. 282 V LPKF AG

283 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Stop processing Use Stop processing in order to stop the current processing of the circuit board. The current phase is not completed. The milling head moves to the pause position. To stop the machine processing the material, click on Machining > Stop processing. If you want to resume processing the circuit board you have the following options: Restarting the whole phase where the process was interrupted [Resume]. Continue the process from the selected phase onwards [Ignore]. Cancel the process [Cancel]. Fig. 337: Processing aborted 2014 LPKF AG V

284 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Production phase You can create new production phases for the circuit board production. These will be displayed in the Phases branch in the Toolpath pane. Creating a new phase 1. Click on Machining > Production phase The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 338: Create new Phase 2. Enter a name for the new phase. 3. Select a processing step. 4. Select a linked phase if necessary. 5. Select the processing order. This field defines when your newly created phase will be processed. Option The data should be mirrored Note Activate this check box if the phase to be created shall be processed after the circuit board has been turned over. The data are mirrored to achieve this. Option The phase contains toolpath data Note Activate this check box if the phase to be created shall contain toolpaths. 6. Click on [Apply]. The new phase is created and is displayed in the Toolpath pane. 7. Click on [Close]. The new phase is created. 284 V LPKF AG

285 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Placement Use Placement to move and/or multiply the processing data in the Machining view of CircuitPro PM. Click on Machining > Placement to open the dialog. The section Relative translation lets you move the whole circuit board design within the machining view. Note Please note that you can move the processing data only as a whole and not individual toolpaths etc. The Step and Repeat section lets you multiply the circuit board design as desired in X and Y direction with a defined step distance. Thus you can produce several circuits on one panel. Fig. 339: Placement Moving the processing data (relative translation) 1. Enter a dx value. 2. Enter a dy value. 3. Click on [Apply]. Procedure without entering X and Y values Tip You can also move the processing data in the Machining view using your mouse. To do this, click on the processing data and while pressing the left mouse button drag the circuit frame to the position where you want to place the circuit design LPKF AG V

286 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The circuit board date are placed at the corresponding position. Note If you want to move the processing data to the center of the working area, click on [Set center]. 4. Click on [Close]. The processing data are moved. Rotating the processing data 1. Enter the angle in the field \Angle\. 2. Click on the buttons beside to rotate the processing data in the desired direction. The processing data was rotated. Multiplying the processing data 1. Enter the number of circuits that are to be produced in X and Y direction. 2. Enter the step distance of the circuits in X and Y direction. 3. Click on [Apply]. The circuits are created according to the values entered. 4. Click on [Close]. The processing data are multiplied. Note If you apply changes in the technology dialog that modify the bounding box of the current job (e.g. deactivating the contour routing or the fiducials) after having multiplied the circuit, you can adjust the job to the original placement values. The following warning is displayed if the toolpaths are recomputed in the technology dialog prompting you to execute the placement again. Click on [Reset] in the placement dialog. The current design is adjusted to the original placement values. 286 V LPKF AG

287 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Fiducials Using the function "Fiducials," you can set the optical markings in the machining view of CircuitPro PM. These fiducials are only inserted into the layout as toolpaths and are not present as geometrical objects. This means that in the CAM view of CircuitPro PM, the fiducials which were created by this function are not displayed. Note In order to be able to perform this function, you must first generate the toolpaths so that the layout can be displayed in the machining view. Using the function "Fiducials you can set the fiducials in the machining view, process the fiducials in the machining view and delete the fiducials in the machine view. Inserting fiducials Ideally, set four fiducials in order to align the top and bottom side to each other. Tip However, you can also work with two fiducials. In this case, these should be diagonally aligned to one another. 1. Click on Machining > Fiducials The machining view of CircuitPro PM is activated. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 340: Fiducials 2. Select the processing phase in the field \Phase\, in which the fiducials are to be generated. 3. Select the drilling tool in the field \Tool\ for generating the fiducials. 4. If not active, activate the mode {Insert}. 5. Enter the X and Y coordinates of the fiducials and click on [Set coordinates]. Or 5. Using your mouse, on the machining view, click where you would like to place the fiducials LPKF AG V

288 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The fiducial is inserted in the appropriate position in the machining view. Note Editing the coordinates of the fiducials If you would like to change the coordinates of a fiducial, proceed as follows: 1. Activate the mode "Edit". The coordinates of the last fiducial set are shown. 2. Change the coordinates and click on [Set coordinates]. or 2. Select the fiducial and move this to the desired position in the machining view. The coordinates have been edited. Note Delete fiducial If you would like to delete a fiducial, proceed as follows: 1. Activate the mode "Edit". The coordinates of the last fiducial set are shown. 2. Select the fiducial to be deleted. 3. Click on [Remove].!!! If you have deleted the coordinates of the fiducial, the coordinates of the fiducial set previously are shown automatically!!! The fiducial has been deleted. 6. Please repeat step 5 until you have generated the desired number of fiducials. 288 V LPKF AG

289 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 A rectangle, which highlights the position of the fiducials, is created around the layout: Fig. 341: Fiducial marks in the machining view. 1 2 /1/ Fiducials /2/ Rectangle 7. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. The fiducials were inserted LPKF AG V

290 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Measure milling width ProtoMat E33/S43 The menu item Measure milling width lets you mill a line in the base material and measure the milling width with the camera. Click on Machining > Measure milling width The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 342: Measure milling width Measuring the milling width 1. Click on the position in the Machining view where you want to mill the line. 2. Enter the length of the line to be milled. 3. Select an option: Horizontal milling line Vertical milling line 4. Click on [Mill a Line]. The line is milled at the selected position. 5. Check the milling width with a microscope: Note To determine the correct milling width, put on the microscope at the lower, inner edges of the copper: 6. Click on [Accept Width], if the milling width is okay. 290 V LPKF AG

291 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 or 6. Adjust the tool manually and mill a line again until the result of the milling width is okay. or 6. Install a new tool. 7. Click on [Try New Tool]. 8. Repeat the steps 1 to 6. The milling width has been measured LPKF AG V

292 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Measure milling width ProtoMat S63/S103 The menu item Measure milling width lets you mill a line in the base material and measure the milling width with the camera. Click on Machining > Measure milling width. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 343: Measure milling width Measuring the milling width 1. Click on the position in the Machining view where you want to mill the line. 2. Enter the length of the line to be milled. 3. Select an option: Horizontal milling line Vertical milling line 4. Click on [Start]. The line is milled at the selected position. The Camera pane displays the milled line. The following dialog with the measurement results is displayed: Fig. 344: Result of milling width check 5. Click on [Close]. The milling width is measured. 292 V LPKF AG

293 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Measure milling ProtoMat D104 The menu item Measure milling width enables you to mill a line in the base material and measure the milling width with the camera. Click on Machining > Measure milling width. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 345: Measure milling width Measuring the milling width 1. Click on the position in the Machining view where you want to mill the line. 2. Enter the length of the line to be milled. 3. Select an option: Horizontal milling line Vertical milling line 4. Click on [Start]. The line is milled at the selected position. The Camera pane displays the milled line. The following dialog with the measurement results is displayed: Fig. 346: Result of milling width 5. Click on [Close]. The milling width has been measured LPKF AG V

294 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Alignment (only if camera is present) The dialog Alignment allows you modify the settings for the ReadFiducials phase. Modifying the settings for phase ReadFiducials 1. Click on Machining > Alignment. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 347: Alignment 2. Select the existing fiducials in the design that are to be used in the DrillFiducials phase. 3. Modify the individual parameters for the ReadFiducials phase as necessary. 294 V LPKF AG

295 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Table 47: Alignment Option Fiducials for stepand-repeat Description If the project has been multiplied with Step and Repeat, the fiducials are multiplied as well. Use fiducials of original project only Use outer fiducials of entire multiplied project Diameter Tolerance Search Area Length Minimum Fiducial Quality Distance for Direct Acceptance Show Fiducial Time Maximum No. of centering Tries Manual Centering If Not Found Ask for Confirmation Defines the tolerance for the diameter of the fiducial. Defines the size of the search area. Defines the quality level that a found fiducial must meet in order to be centered. Defines how precisely the fiducial must be centered in the camera image. Defines the time that the camera remains on a found fiducial before continuing the process. Defines the maximum number of tries to center a found fiducial in the camera image. If no fiducial is found, a dialog for manual centering is displayed. After finding and centering a fiducial, the fiducial must be confirmed LPKF AG V

296 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Modify the settings as desired. 5. Click on [OK]. The settings for the ReadFiducials phase are applied Drill reference holes Use Drill reference holes to drill the holes for the reference pins. Note The reference hole system can be used for aligning the board if no camera is available. The reference hole system is not used if a vacuum table is mounted. Click on Machining > Drill reference holes to open following dialog: Fig. 348: Drill reference holes There are three options for drilling reference holes to choose from: Drill Both Reference Holes: One reference hole is drilled at the home position and one opposite to the home position. Drill Reference Hole at Home Position: A reference hole is drilled at the home position. Drill Reference Hole Opposite To Home Position: A reference hole is drilled at the position opposite to the home position. 296 V LPKF AG

297 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Drilling reference holes 1. Select the desired option for drilling the reference holes in the Operations section. Note The Parameters section contains LPKF standard settings. These settings are activated by default. If you want to use different values, remove the check mark at <Use LPKF Standard Settings>. 2. Enter the offset value and the distance between the reference holes in the Parameters section if necessary. 3. Click on [Start]. The milling head moves to the corresponding position(s) and drills the reference hole(s). Note The reference holes are drilled using a Spiral Drill 2.95 mm. This tool must be present in the tool magazine or, in case of machines without tool magazine, must be inserted manually into the clamp (when prompted). The reference holes are drilled Service Only qualified personnel authorized by LPKF can activate the Service menu item by entering a password LPKF AG V

298 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Determining the camera head offset This function lets you measure the offset between the camera and the milling head. Click on Machining > Determine camera head offset The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 349: Determine camera-tomilling-head offset You can choose between determining the X/Y-Offset and the Z-Focus-Offset. The Z-Focus-Offset is used to determine the material height for 2.5D operations. Determining the X/Y-Offset 1. Put the base material onto the table. 2. Click on [Determine X/Y-Offset]. The following dialog is displayed in the machining view: Fig. 350: Determine camera-tomilling-head offset 3. Follow the instructions in the dialog window. 298 V LPKF AG

299 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 4. Click on [Apply]. A hole is drilled at the selected position. The camera moves to this drill hole and measures the position (see Camera pane). The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 351: Offset determined 5. Click on [OK]. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 352: Save results 6. Click on [Save]. CircuitPro synchronizes the results with the machine. A corresponding message is displayed: Fig. 353: Synchronizing the results The X/Y-Offset is determined. Determining the Z-Focus offset 1. Click on [Determine Z-Focus-Offset]. The following message is displayed: Fig. 354: Dismount the depth limiter Note For more information about dismounting the depth limiter, please refer to the delivered ProtoMat S manual. 2. Confirm the message by clicking on [OK] LPKF AG V

300 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 355: Teach Z- Focus Offset 3. Follow the instructions in the dialog. 4. Click on [OK]. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 356: Refining Z position 5. Follow the instructions in the dialog. 6. Click on [OK]. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 357: Teach Z- Focus Offset 7. Follow the instructions in the dialog. 8. Click on [OK]. The following message is displayed: Fig. 358: Autofocusing in progress 300 V LPKF AG

301 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The result of the measurement procedure is displayed: Fig. 359: Results 9. Follow the instructions in the dialog. 10. Click on [Yes] to set the proposed offset as current value. The following message is displayed: Fig. 360: Save results to machine 11. Click on [Save] to save the results into the machine memory. The following message is displayed: Fig. 361: Synchronising the results The Z-Focus offset is determined LPKF AG V

302 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Teach tool-holder positions Use the menu item Teach tool-holder positions to measure the tool-holder positions of the ProtoMat machine. Click on Machining > Teach tool-holder Positions The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 362: Teach Tool-holder Positions The milling head moves to the position of the first tool holder. The camera focuses automatically and displays the following image in the Camera pane: Fig. 363: Camera image of toolholder position 302 V LPKF AG

303 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Measuring tool-holder positions and storing to machine memory 1. Move the cross-hairs to the center of the tool-holder position (black circle) using the X and Y buttons in the Processing pane: Fig. 364: X/Y buttons 2. Click on [Set current camera position as position of first holder]. The position is stored as the first position. The milling head moves to the position of the last tool holder. 3. Repeat step Click on [Set current camera position as position of last holder]. The position is stored as the last position. The camera moves to all toolholder positions one after the other LPKF AG V

304 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The following dialog showing the results is displayed: Fig. 365: Results The dialog allows the following operations: Restart teaching the tool-holder positions [Restart teaching] Stop the current operation (e.g. when storing or performing the measuring again) [Stop] Store the measurement results [Save And Close] Abort all operations and close the dialog [Cancel] 5. Click on [Save and close]. The following message is displayed: Fig. 366: Save results to machine 6. Click on [Yes] in order to store the results to the machine's memory. CircuitPro PM synchronizes the measurement results with the machine's memory. A corresponding message is displayed. The tool-holder positions are measured and stored to the machine's memory. 304 V LPKF AG

305 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Connect The menu item Connect allows the following operations: Connect CircuitPro PM with an LPKF ProtoMat machine [Connect]. Disconnect CircuitPro PM from the LPKF ProtoMat machine [Disconnect]. If CircuitPro PM is currently connected to an LPKF ProtoMat machine: Select a different machine type [Switch To]. Note This step is only necessary if you switch on the ProtoMat machine after starting CircuitPro PM or if you want to connect CircuitPro PM to a ProtoMat machine that differs from the one configured previously. Connecting CircuitPro PM with an LPKF ProtoMat machine 1. Click on Machining > Connect The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 367: Connect the machine 2. Select your machine type in the drop-down list. Tip CircuitPro PM provides a virtual machine for simulating processes. You can connect CircuitPro PM to the virtual machine at any time, even when no real machine is connected to the PC. 3. Click on [Connect] LPKF AG V

306 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The following message window is displayed: Fig. 368: Connection steps 4. Check if a tool is clamped and specify the position of the tool magazine. 5. Click on [OK]. CircuitPro PM is connected to the ProtoMat machine. Disconnecting CircuitPro PM from the LPKF ProtoMat machine 1. Click on Machining > Connect 2. Click on [Disconnect]. CircuitPro PM is disconnected from the LPKF ProtoMat machine. Switching CircuitPro PM to a different LPKF ProtoMat machine 1. Select the machine type in the drop-down list. 2. Click on [Switch To]. The message window for the connection steps is displayed. The connection of CircuitPro PM is switched to the other machine. 306 V LPKF AG

307 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Menu Camera Note The menu Camera is only visible if you are using a machine that is equippede with a camera. The menu Camera allows you to change the settings of the camera. Click on the Camera menu item to open the submenu: Fig. 369: Menu Camera The following table provides a brief description of the menu item s functions: Table 48: Menu functions Camera Menu item Options Actions Movement Overlay Search Description Opens the submenu Options. Opens the submenu Actions. Opens the submenu Movement. Opens the submenu Overlay. Opens the submenu Search LPKF AG V

308 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Options The menu item Options allows you to modify the image acquisition settings of the camera. Click on Camera > Options to open the following cascading menu: Fig. 370: Camera > Options The following functions are available in the Options sub-menu: Image settings Camera light Save settings Save parameter set Load parameter set Create parameter set 308 V LPKF AG

309 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Image settings The sub-menu Image settings allows you to modify specific camera settings. Click on Camera > Options > Image settings to open the following dialog: Fig. 371: Image acquisition settings Table 49: Image acquisition settings The following settings are available: Setting Description Miscellaneous Gain (master) Brightness [%] Contrast [%] Exposure [%] Backlight comp. [%] Sharpness [%] Gamma corr. [%] Mirror / Rotate Frame rate [1/s] ROI [Pixel] Adjusts the signal amplification of the camera. Adjusts the brightness of the camera image. Adjusts the contrast of the camera image. Adjusts the exposure time of the camera. Adjusts the backlight compensation. Adjusts the sharpness of the camera image. Adjusts the gamma correction of the camera image. Allows to mirror and/or rotate the camera image. Sets the frame rate of the camera. Offs X Offs Y Size X Size Y Digital gain DirectShow camera selection Select Adjusts the offset of the region of interest within the camera image in X direction. Adjusts the offset of the region of interest within the camera image in Y direction. Sets the size of the camera image in X direction in pixels. Sets the size of the camera image in Y direction in pixels. Allows to enter a value for digital amplification of the camera image. Allows to select the active camera LPKF AG V

310 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Table 49: Image acquisition settings Setting Description Calibration X, Y, Angle Shows the calibration factors of the camera. Calibrate X distance [mm] Y distance [mm] Angle offset X count Y count Snap and calibrate Parameter sets Add Load Save Load all Save all Sets the size of the object in X direction that is to be used for calibration. Sets the size of the object in y direction that is to be used for calibration. Sets the angle of the objects that are to be used for calibration. Sets the number of objects in X direction that are to be used for calibration. Sets the number of objects in Y direction that are to be used for calibration. Starts the calibration and computes the calibration factors. Adds camera parameter sets. Loads an existing camera parameter set or creates a new one. Saves the changed settings into the selected camera parameter set. Loads all existing camera parameter sets into the drop-down list. Saves the settings of all camera parameter set. 310 V LPKF AG

311 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Camera light The sub-menu Camera light allows you to change the brightness of camera light. Click on Camera > Options > Camera light to open the following dialog: Fig. 372: Camera light You can change the brightness of the camera light as follows: Moving the slider using the mouse. Entering a value into the input field and confirming the value with the Enter key. Clicking on the scroll buttons. Note The camera light value is automatically reset to 2 when the program is restarted Save settings The sub-menu Save settings allows you to save specific camera settings. Saving the camera settings 1. Click on Camera > Options > Save settings. The camera settings are saved Save parameter set The sub-menu Save parameter set allows you to save specific camera settings. Saving the current parameter set 1. Click on Camera > Options > Save parameter set. The parameter set is saved LPKF AG V

312 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Load parameter set The sub-menu Load parameter set allows you to select specific camera parameter sets. Loading a camera parameter set 1. Click on Camera > Options > Load parameter set. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 373: Load parameter set 2. Click on the arrow button to open the list of camera parameter sets. Fig. 374: Load parameter set - drop-down list 3. Select a camera parameter set: The following pre-sets are available: Table 50: Pre-sets Pre-set Description drillhole_default millinglinewidth_5um_default millinglinewidth_18um_default millinglinewidth_35um_default Pre-set for recognizing fiducials Pre-set for acquiring milled lines (5 µm copper thickness) Pre-set for acquiring milled lines (18 µm copper thickness) Pre-set for acquiring milled lines (35 µm copper thickness) 312 V LPKF AG

313 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Table 50: Pre-sets Pre-set Description millinglinewidth_70um_default toolholderrecognition_default drillhole_glasmaster_default default Pre-set for acquiring milled lines (70 µm copper thickness) Pre-set for teaching the tool-holder positions Pre-set for recognizing fiducials on the glass master Pre-set with default settings Note If you have created other camera parameter sets, these are also displayed in the drop-down list. 4. Click on [OK]. The camera parameter set is loaded LPKF AG V

314 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Create Camera Parameter Set The sub-menu Create parameter set allows you to create new camera parameter sets. Creating a camera parameter set 1. Click on Camera > Options > Create parameter set. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 375: Create parameter set 2. Select a camera parameter set type: The following parameter set types are available: Table 51: Create parameter set Parameter set type Select type of parameter set Description Active Fiducial Search Line Width Finder Tool Holder Recognition Standard Suffix used Currently loaded parameter set Parameter set for searching fiducials Parameter set for measuring the width of a milled line Parameter set for teaching the tool-holder positions Standard parameter set User-defined suffix for the name Full Name Type name + user-defined suffix 3. Confirm by clicking on [OK]. Or 3. Close the dialog by clicking on [Cancel]. The camera parameter set has been created. 314 V LPKF AG

315 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Actions The sub-menu Actions allows you to perform specific camera actions. Click on Camera > Actions to open the following cascading menu: Fig. 376: Camera > Actions The following functions are available: Measuring Mode Set fiducial parameters Find fiducial Calibrate camera Auto focus Save image Show cameras Measuring mode The sub-menu Measuring mode allows you to perform measurements. Click on Camera > Measuring mode to open the following cascading menu: Fig. 377: Camera > Actions > Measuring mode The following functions are available: None Point to point Milling width Circle diameter 2014 LPKF AG V

316 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 None This option deactivates all measurement options. Deactivating the measurement options 1. Click on Camera > Actions > Measuring Mode > None The measurement options are deactivated. Point to Point The Point to Point function lets you measure the distance between two points of your choice. Measuring point to point 1. Click on Camera > Actions > Measuring Mode > Point to Point. 2. In the camera pane, click on the point that you want to use as the starting point for the measurement. 3. In the camera pane, click on the point that you want to use as the end point for the measurement. CircuitPro PM connects the two points with a line. Note The Camera pane displays the following values: Distance in X direction (DX) Distance in Y direction (DY) Direct distance (DXY) 316 V LPKF AG

317 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The Camera pane displays the following image: Fig. 378: Point to Point /1/ Starting point of the measurement /2/ End point of the measurement /3/ Measurement result The point-to-point measurement is finished. Note For removing the overlay items in the Camera pane, please click on Camera > Overlay > Clear overlay LPKF AG V

318 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Milling width The Milling width function lets you measure the distance between two lines in the camera image. Measuring the width of the milled channel 1. Click on Camera > Actions > Measuring Mode > Milling width. 2. Mark one edge of the milled channel to be measured by clicking on two points of the edge. 3. Click on a point on the opposite edge of the milled channel to be measured. CircuitPro PM computes the perpendicular line. The length of the perpendicular line represents the width of the milled channel: Fig. 379: Width of milled channel /1/ Measurement result /2/ End point of the measurement /3/ Line on edge of milled channel The width of the milled channel has been measured. Note For removing the overlay items in the Camera pane, please click on Camera > Overlay > Clear overlay. 318 V LPKF AG

319 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Circle Diameter The Circle Diameter function lets you measure the diameter of a circle in the camera image. Measuring the diameter of a circle 1. Click on Camera > Actions > Measuring Mode > Circle Diameter. 2. In the camera pane, click on a point on the outer edge of the circle whose diameter you want to measure. 3. Repeat step 2 twice. Select the points on the outer edge of the circle in such a way that they can form a virtual triangle (see following figure). Tip CircuitPro PM connects the three points and computes the center, circumference, and diameter of the circle. The measurement results are displayed in the Camera pane: Fig. 380: Circle Diameter 2 1 /1/ Measurement points /2/ Measurement result The diameter of the circle is measured. Note For removing the overlay items in the Camera pane, please click on Camera > Overlay > Clear overlay LPKF AG V

320 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Set fiducial parameters Fig. 381: Set fiducial parameters The sub-menu Set fiducial parameters allows you to set the fiducial parameters. Setting the fiducial parameters 1. Click on Camera > Actions > Set fiducial parameters. Table 52: Set fiducial parameters The following settings are available in the Fiducial search configuration category: Property Fiducial search configuration Best fitting fiducial only Fiducial Diameter Fiducial form factor Maximum fiducial diameter Minimum contour length Minimum Fiducial Diameter Minimum fiducial quality (%) Search ROI Threshold factor Description True: Display the fiducial that fits the settings best. False: Display all fiducials that meet the set limits. Nominal diameter of the fiducial Factor for similarity to a circle Maximum allowable diameter of the fiducial Minimum contour length of an object in pixels required to be recognized as a fiducial Minimum allowable diameter of the fiducial Tolerance value in percent for the fiducial diameter Allows you to define a region of interest, to search for fiducials. Factor for the brightness threshold to distinguish objects from the background. 320 V LPKF AG

321 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Table 53: Buttons Buttons Description Apply Apply and save Close Applies the settings in the current selected fiducial parameter set. Applies and saves the settings for the next start of CircuitPro. Closes the dialog. 2. Modify the settings as desired. 3. Click on [Apply]. Or 3. Click on [Apply and Save]. 4. Click on [Close]. The dialog is closed. The fiducial parameters have been set Find Fiducial The Find Fiducial function lets you find fiducials in the camera image. Finding a fiducial 1. Click on Camera > Actions > Find Fiducial The camera searches for fiducials. When the search is finished the results are displayed in a dialog: Fig. 382: Fiducial search result The found fiducial is marked accordingly in the Camera pane: Fig. 383: Fiducial marked The fiducial is found LPKF AG V

322 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Note For removing the overlay items in the Camera pane, please click on Camera > Overlay > Clear overlay Calibrate camera The sub-menu Calibrate camera allows you to calibrate the camera. Calibrating the camera 1. Click on Camera > Actions > Calibrate camera. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 384: Calibrate camera Note An object of defined size, e.g. a hole of known diameter, should be visible in the camera image for calibrating the camera. Enter the diameter or the size of the object in the fields X distance and Y distance and click on [Snap and calibrate]. 322 V LPKF AG

323 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The Calibration group contains the following settings: Table 54: Calibration Setting Calibration Description X, Y, Angle Shows the calibration factors of the camera. Calibrate X distance [mm] Y distance [mm] Angle offset X count Y count Snap and calibrate Sets the size of the object in X direction that is to be used for calibration. Sets the size of the object in y direction that is to be used for calibration. Sets the angle of the objects that are to be used for calibration. Sets the number of objects in X direction that are to be used for calibration. Sets the number of objects in Y direction that are to be used for calibration. Starts the calibration and computes the calibration factors. 2. Modify the settings as desired. 3. Click on [Snap and calibrate]. The camera has been calibrated Auto Focus The Auto Focus function starts the automatic focusing of the camera. Starting the automatic focusing procedure 1. Click on Camera > Actions > Auto Focus. The camera focuses automatically so that a crisp camera image is displayed. The automatic focusing procedure is finished LPKF AG V

324 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Save image The Save image function lets you save the current camera image. Saving the current camera image 1. Click on Camera > Actions > Save image. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 385: Save image 2. Enter a file name and select a folder. 3. Click on [Save]. The current camera image is saved Show cameras The Show cameras function shows you all cameras that are available to you. Click on Camera > Actions > Show cameras to open the following dialog: Fig. 386: Select camera Selecting a camera 1. Click on the arrow button to open the drop-down list of the available cameras. 2. Click on a camera in the drop-down list. 3. Click on [Select]. 4. Click on [Close]. The camera has been selected. 324 V LPKF AG

325 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Movement The menu item Movement allows you change height settings and move the camera and milling head. Click on Camera > Movement to open the following cascading menu: Fig. 387: Camera > Movement The following functions are available: Set focus height Move to focus Move camera >> head Move head >> camera Set focus height The function Set focus height lets you set the current camera height as the focus height. This function is best used after using the Auto focus function. Tip Setting the current height as the focus height 1. Click on Camera > Movement > Set focus height. The current height is stored as the focus height Move to focus The function Move to focus lets you move the camera to the set focus height. Moving to the focus height 1. Click on Camera > Movement > Move to focus. The camera moves to the set focus height LPKF AG V

326 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Move camera >> head The function Move camera >> head lets you move the camera to the current position of the milling head. This function is useful for e.g. checking drilled holes. Tip Moving the camera to the current position of the milling head 1. Click on Camera > Movement > Move camera >> head. The camera moves to the current position of the milling head Move head >> camera The function Move head >> camera lets you move the milling head to the current position of the camera. Moving the milling head to the current position of the camera 1. Click on Camera > Movement > Move head >> camera. The milling head moves to the current position of the camera Overlay The menu item Overlay allows you to modify the settings for the camera pane. Click on Camera > Overlay to open the following cascading menu: Fig. 388: Camera > Overlay The following functions are available in the Overlay cascading menu: Switch Crosshair State Clear Overlay Set Color 326 V LPKF AG

327 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Switch Crosshair State The Switch Crosshair State function lets witch on or off the display of the crosshair in the Camera pane. Switching the crosshair on/off 1. Click on Camera > Overlay > Switch Crosshair State. The view in the Camera pane changes as follows: Fig. 389: Crosshair The crosshair serving as a centering aid is displayed/hidden in the Camera pane LPKF AG V

328 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Clear Overlay The Clear Overlay function lets you clear the camera pane of overlaid elements. Clearing the camera image of overlays 1. Click on Camera > Overlay > Clear Overlay. Overlaid elements are removed from the Camera pane: Fig. 390: Clear Overlay 1 2 /1/ Camera pane with overlay /2/ Camera pane without overlay The overlays are cleared. 328 V LPKF AG

329 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Set color The menu item Set color allows you to set the colors of the camera overlays. Setting the overlay color 1. Click on Camera > Overlay > Set color. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 391: Set color 2. Click on the arrow to open the drop-down list of the settings: Fig. 392: Set color available settings Table 55: Set color 3. Select a setting: The following settings are available: Setting Overlay Circle Measure Description Display color of the crosshair Color for displaying the results of a fiducial search Display color of the measure function 4. Confirm your selection by clicking on [OK]. The following dialog for selecting the color is displayed: Fig. 393: Color selection 2014 LPKF AG V

330 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Select a color. For a wider choice of colors click on [More colors ]. Tipp 6. Click on [OK]. The color has been set Search The sub-menu Search allows you to set parameters the search functions and to perform search operations. Click on Camera > Search to open the following cascading menu: Fig. 394: Camera > Search The following functions are available in the Search sub-menu: Find Circles Find Lines Spiral Search Find Corner 330 V LPKF AG

331 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Find Circles The Find Circles function lets you find circles in the camera image. Finding circles 1. Click on Camera > Search > Find Circles. The number of circles found and their parameters are displayed in a dialog (/2/). In addition, the circle is displayed in the camera pane (/1/): Fig. 395: Find Circles 2 1 /1/ Circle in camera pane /2/ Message Find Circles Results The circles are found in the camera image. Note For removing the overlay items in the Camera pane, please click on Camera > Overlay > Clear overlay LPKF AG V

332 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Find Lines The Find Lines function lets you find lines in the camera image. Finding lines 1. Click on Camera > Search > Find lines. The following message is displayed, showing the results if the line search and their parameters. Fig. 396: Find Lines In addition, the line is displayed in the camera pane: Fig. 397: Find Lines Camera pane The lines are found in the camera image. Note For removing the overlay items in the Camera pane, please click on Camera > Overlay > Clear overlay. 332 V LPKF AG

333 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Spiral Search The Spiral search function lets you search in a spiral over an area to find fiducials. Starting a spiral search 1. Click on Camera > Search > Spiral search. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 398:Spiral Search 2. If necessary, modify the settings in category Spiral search parameters. The following settings are available: Table 56: Spiral Search Setting Spiral search parameters Ask for acceptance Backlash avoid distance X Y Diameter tolerance Fiducial display time Force manual centering Manual centering on fail Max tries for centering Minimum valid quality Description Specifies whether the user has to accept every found fiducial. Specifies the distance that the camera head moves before centering the fiducial in order to avoid errors due to backlash. Distance in X direction Distance in Y direction Specifies the allowable absolute size difference from the nominal diameter for the minimum and maximum recognized diameter. Specifies the time the head rests over the fiducial after recognition. Specifies whether the dialog for manual centering is displayed even if a fiducial has been recognized. Specifies whether the dialog for manual centering is displayed if automatic centering has failed. Specifies the maximum tries for centering until the fiducial is specified as not found. Defines the minimum quality that has to be reached at the start of the spiral search LPKF AG V

334 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Table 56: Spiral Search Setting Minimum quality improvement Search area size Threshold distance Description Specifies the minimum quality improvement necessary for continuing the centering. Specifies size of the area around the start location where the fiducial is searched. Specifies the threshold distance for accepting the fiducial directly without further centering. 3. Click on [Start]. The camera searches for fiducials in spirals. When a fiducial is found, the following message is displayed: Fig. 399: Spiral Search Result - fiducial found If no fiducial is found the following message is displayed: Fig. 400: Spiral Search Result - fiducial not found Note Fiducial not found Check whether the camera head is really above the fiducials that are to be found. Otherwise move the head manually to that area and adjust the size of the search area Search area size if necessary. The spiral search for fiducials is finished. Note Click on Camera > Overlay > Clear overlay to clear the Camera pane of the overlays. 334 V LPKF AG

335 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM Find Corner The Find corner function lets you find corners. Finding a corner 1. Click on Camera > Search > Find corner. The number of corners found and their parameters are displayed in a dialog (/2/). In addition, the corner is displayed in the camera pane (/1/): Fig. 401: Find corner 2 1 /1/ Corner in camera pane /2/ Message Find corner The corners are found in the camera image. Note For removing the overlay items in the Camera pane, please click on Camera > Overlay > Clear overlay LPKF AG V

336 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Menu Extras Fig. 402: Menu Extras The menu Extras allows you to change the program settings. Click on the Extras menu item to open the submenu: The following table provides a brief description of the menu item s functions: Table 57: Menu functions Extras Menu item Options Description Opens the dialog Options. Customize Opens the dialog Customize Options The Options dialog allows you to modify specific program settings. Click on Extras > Options to open the following dialog: Fig. 403: Extras > Options 336 V LPKF AG

337 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 The following settings are available: Table 58: Options General Property Description Application User level Use OS culture Language Units Decimal separator Auto save Time interval (min) Auto save mode Undo/Redo Undo/Redo level User and license information User name Organization Location Serial number Choice between Advanced user and Service. Choice between True and False. Sets the language of the application interface. Choice is only available if Use OS culture is set to False. Deutsch (Deutschland) español (España) suomi (Suomi) français (France) italiano (Italia) 日本語 ( 日本 ) polski (Polska) português (Portugal) русский (Россия) slovenski (Slovenija) svenska (Sverige) English (United States) 中文 ( 简体 ) Units used in the application. Choice is only available if Use OS culture is set to False. Meters [m] Centimeters [cm] Millimeters [mm] Micrometers [µm] Inches [inch] Mils [mil] Choice between dot (.) and comma (,) if Use OS culture is set to False. Defines the time until a document is saved. Switches auto saving on or off Undo/Redo level User name in the current application session User organization of the current application runtime license. Organization location of the current application runtime license. Serial number of the current application runtime license 2014 LPKF AG V

338 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Table 58: Options General Property Description Enabling code Enabling code of the current application runtime license. Table 59: Options General buttons Button OK Cancel Check box Use document preferences Description Closes the dialog and stores the settings. Closes the dialog without storing the settings. Description Activate this check box if you want to use the standard settings stored the document. You can modify further settings in the following categories: Display Measurement Import/Export Import Assignments Export configurations Formats Gerber Excellon LMD HPGL DXF STEP Miscellaneous CAM settings Machine 338 V LPKF AG

339 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Use the categories tree that is displayed in the left section of the dialog to navigate to the desired options (see the following figure). Fig. 404: Categories tree 2014 LPKF AG V

340 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Display Click on Display in the Options dialog to display the following view: Fig. 405: Extras > Options Display Table 60:Options Display The following settings are available: Property Description 2D CAM view Background color Pan & zoom rectangle color Show grid Show page outlines Snap to grid Spacing X Spacing Y Transparency of major lines Transparency of minor lines 2D Machining view Auxiliary board length Sets the background color of the CAM view. Sets the color of the visible-area rectangle in the Navigation view. Activates/deactivates grid in CAM view. Choice between True and False Display how the printed region will be divided into several pages. Sets whether the cursor "sticks to" grid nodes in CAM view or not (only active if Show grid is set to True ). Sets the grid spacing in X direction in the CAM view. Sets the grid spacing in Y direction in the CAM view. Sets the transparency of the major lines Sets the transparency of the minor lines. Defines the length of rectangle of auxiliary board during dispensing operation. 340 V LPKF AG

341 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Table 60:Options Display Property Auxiliary board rectangle color Auxiliary board width Background color Camera area color Camera area line style Material area color Material area line style Max processing area color Max processing area line style Placement rectangle color Reference hole color Show material Tool ramp color Topography points color Working area color Working area line style 3D View Background color Common Dynamic highlighting Performance and quality settings Show jumps in toolpath Description Defines the color of the rectangle of the auxiliary board during dispensing operation. Defines the width of the rectangle of the auxiliary board during the dispensing operation. Sets the background color of the 2D machining view. Sets the display color of the camera area. Sets the line style of the boundary of the camera area. Sets the display color of the material area. Sets the line style of the material area boundary. Sets the display color of the maximum processing area. Sets the line style of the maximum processing area boundary. Defines the color for the rectangle of production data during placement operation. Sets the color of the positions where the reference holes have been drilled. Activate/deactivate display of material area, max processing area and tool magazine. Sets the color for the milling-width adjustment ramp. Sets the color for displaying the points for a Read topography phase when the operation is active Sets the display color of the working area. Sets the line style of the boundary of the working area. Sets the background color of the 3D view. Sets the tracking mode of objects under the mouse cursor in graphic views, also known as dynamic highlighting. Sets the priority for speed versus precision. Activate/deactivate display of jumps between toolpath lines LPKF AG V

342 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Measurement Click on Measurement in the Options dialog to display the following view: Fig. 406: Extras > Options Measurement Table 61: Options Measurement The following settings are available: Property Measurement settings Coordinate system Coordinates Description Coordinate system used in the application: Cartesian or Polar. Input of coordinates in the application: absolute or relative values. 342 V LPKF AG

343 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Import / Export Click on Import / Export in the Options dialog to display the following view: Fig. 407: Extras > Options Import / Export Table 62: Options Import / Export The following settings are available: Property Import Compact data Reduce number of elements Preview Description If set to True, geometrical objects that are composed of a lot of smaller objects are replaced with a single polygon that fills the same area. If set to True, the number of elements for open/closed paths and polygons is reduced. New layer's color Preview color for objects that are assigned to the new layer LPKF AG V

344 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Import assignments Click on Import assignments in the Options dialog to display the following view: Fig. 408: Extras > Options Import assignments Table 63: Extras > Options Import assignments The following settings are available: Property Aperture Templates Import Assignments Description Selects the path of an existing aperture template file. Selects the path of an existing assignments file. You can also select a new XML file by entering a new file name. 344 V LPKF AG

345 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Fig. 409: Creating assignment rules Table 64: Columns Column File name Format Layer/Template Aperture/Tool List Description Defines the file extension for assignment. Assigns the format for the import. Defines the destination layer for the import. Defines the aperture / tool list. Table 65: Import Assignments - buttons Button Add Remove Description Allows to create new assignment rules. These assignment rules are written to the selected XML file. Thus, you can define for example that imported files having specific file extensions are always assigned to a specific layer. Removes the selected assignment rule(s). Table 66: Options Options Description Adjust Excellon files This option affects the format settings of the Excellon file. CircuitPro PM automatically selects the settings that cause the best fit to those of the Gerber X data. Attention! If the Gerber X files contain further information (e.g. crosshairs or bounding box) except the PCB, the drill data could be scaled incorrectly. In such cases disable this option or adjust the format settings manually LPKF AG V

346 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Export configurations Click on Export configurations in the Options dialog to display the following view: Fig. 410: Export configurations The following settings are available: Table 67: Export configurations Section Configurations file Configurations Parameters File Name Format Source objects Description Enter the path to the configuration file. You can select/change the path by clicking the button next to it. The available configurations that are located in the current configuration file are listed. You can add or remove configurations by clicking the buttons Add and Remove. Enter the file name with which the file is to be exported. Enter the file format in which the file is to be exported. Enter the source objects which are to be exported in the file. 346 V LPKF AG

347 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Gerber Click on Formats > Gerber in the Options dialog to display the following view: Fig. 411: Extras>Options Gerber Table 68: Extras>Options Gerber The following settings are available: Property Description Import Set 360 interpolation as default Rotate AM octagon Rotate Square Step and repeat to flash Use layer name Use layer polarity Activate/deactivate 360-degree interpolation as default. Always align octagon borders to axes. Activate/deactivate automatic rotation of square objects during Gerber import. Activate/deactivate combining object collections to flash objects for step-and-repeat commands. Use the layer name defined in the Gerber file. Activate/deactivate analysis of layer polarity during Gerber import LPKF AG V

348 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Excellon Click on Formats > Excellon in the Options dialog to display the following view: Fig. 412: Extras>Options Excellon Table 69: Extras>Options Excellon The following settings are available: Property Description Import Fiducial diameter Pin hole diameter Sets the diameter of fiducial objects when importing Excellon files. Sets the diameter of the pin hole when importing Excellon files. 348 V LPKF AG

349 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 LMD Click on Formats > LMD in the Options dialog to display the following view: Fig. 413: Extras > Options LMD Table 70:Options LMD The following settings are available: Property Tools conversion file Tool to be replaced Tool to be used Description Defines the path of the file for tool conversion. You can also select a new XML file by entering a new file name. Defines the tool to be replaced. Defines the tool to be used instead LPKF AG V

350 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 HPGL Click on Formats > HPGL in the Options dialog to display the following view: Fig. 414: Extras > Options HPGL Table 71: Options HPGL The following settings are available: Property Description Import Data type Plotter resolution Resolution unit Defines how to import the HPGL data: as geometrical objects or toolpaths Defines the plotter resolution used by the HPGL file. Defines the resolution units (mm or inch). 350 V LPKF AG

351 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 DXF Click on Formats > DXF in the Options dialog to display the following view: Fig. 415: Extras > Options DXF Table 72:Options DXF The following settings are available: Property Import Default font Description The default font is used to replace fonts defined in a DXF file that are not installed on this PC LPKF AG V

352 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 STEP Click on Formats > STEP in the Options dialog to display the following view: Fig. 416: Extras > Options STEP 352 V LPKF AG

353 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Miscellaneous Click on Miscellaneous in the Options dialog to display the following view: Fig. 417: Extras > Options Miscellaneous Table 73:Options Miscellaneous The following settings are available: Property Common Bounding box if number of objects greater Maximal printed pages Message pop-up Message pop-up w/o Message View Show conductor objects Store last choice of delete object operation: with dependent objects or without. Description Show a bounding box when moving objects in the CAM view if the number of objects exceeds this value. Defines the maximal count of pages that can be printed. Sets the types of messages shown as pop-up message boxes (in addition to a record in the Message View). Sets types of messages shown as pop-up message box when the Message view is closed. Activates/deactivates (default) the display of conductor objects in the Geometry data view. Defines whether the last choice of the delete object operation: with dependent objects or without is stored. Used when the warning delete dialog is not shown LPKF AG V

354 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Table 73:Options Miscellaneous Property Fiducial Diameter Logging Verbose Read Topography Grid spacing X Grid spacing Y Tolerances Accuracy for curve modifications Curve combine Tool library Save tools inside document Standard tool library file Tool instances library file Toolpath generation Circular arc approximation Default spike angle Default spike width Default tolerance Max cutting link length Description Defines the diameter of fiducials. If Verbose is set to true, the application diagnostic messages are listed in the Message View as Service messages. Sets the spacing of the grid in X direction for the operation 'Read topography'. Sets the spacing of the grid in Y direction for the operation 'Read topography' Precision value used for curve modification operations (all modify geometry operations, Close path, Convert to path, Combine open paths, Convert to polygon, Draw to flash). Defines the tolerance for the maximum distance between two objects that are to be combined. True: All settings in the tool library are stored in the project's corresponding document file. False: All settings in the tool library are stored in the common ToolLibrary.xml file and are thus available to all projects. Path of the standard tool library file (ToolLibrary.xml), used for new projects. Path of the tool library file that contains descriptions of real machine tools. Defines whether arc elements are approximated Sets the default spike angle for the insulation algorithm. Sets the default spike width for the insulation algorithm. Sets the default tolerance for toolpath generation algorithms. Defines the maximum length of a cutting link between toolpath sections. 354 V LPKF AG

355 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Table 73:Options Miscellaneous Property Max joinable pin length Maximum size of remaining part Description Defines the maximum pin movement length that is joined without jump to the adjacent curve. Maximum size of remaining part CAM settings Click on CAM settings in the Options dialog to display the following view: Fig. 418: Extras > Options CAM settings Table 74: Extras > Options CAM settings The following settings are available: Property 2.5D mode settings Maximum Z level (2.5D milling) Description Defines the maximum value for the Z level for 2.5D milling. Maximum Z level (pocketing) Defines the maximum value for the Z level for pocketing. Overlap distance Defines the additional distance that the tool moves at the end of a closed milling path to overlap the start. The value is in percent of the tool diameter. 0% means that start and end only touch LPKF AG V

356 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Table 74: Extras > Options CAM Property Ramp distance Safety distance Tolerance Tool rotation PCB milling, drilling, contour routing Use start drill for contour router Description Defines the height to lift the tool above a surface already cut when the tool does a jump between cutting movements within a pocket. Defines the height to lift the tool above the horizontal surface when the tool does a jump between cutting movements. Tolerance used for computation. Defines the direction of tool rotation. Indicates whether start drills should be generated for contour routing. 356 V LPKF AG

357 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Machine Click on Machine in the Options dialog to display the following view: Fig. 419: Extras > Options Machine Table 75: Extras > Options Machine The following settings are available: Property Machine settings Description 2.5D fixture plate thickness Thickness of fixture plate below the material. Only used in 2.5D jobs. Camera lens type Default end mill depth Extraction system monitoring MKHP plate height MKHP plate mounted Sinter plate thickness Underlay plate thickness Vacuum table mounted If you are using an upgrade or replacement camera, you need to set your camera type here to work with the correct camera calibration parameters. This is the default end mill depth. It is for uncalibrated end mills only. The real depth my vary up to ±15 µm. If the extraction system is monitored, the machine stops processing if the extraction system is off. This is not possible with all types of extraction systems. Defines the thickness of the MKHP plate. Defines whether the MKHP plate is mounted or not. Defines the thickness of the sinter plate. Defines the thickness of the underlay plate. Defines whether the vacuum table is mounted or not LPKF AG V

358 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Table 75: Extras > Options Property Vacuum-system turn-off delay Process settings Dust reduction Keep tool during optical alignment Description Defines the time that the vacuum system keeps running after end of processing. Reduces the dust produced during contour routing. This option will increase the processing time. Determines whether the tool is kept in the clamp during optical alignments Customize The menu item Customize allows you to adapt the operation of the program to your needs. Click on Extras > Customize to open the following dialog: Fig. 420: Extras > Customize 2 1 /1/ List of available settings /2/ Tabs The dialog has 5 tabs with corresponding settings: Commands Toolbars Keyboard Options Layouts 358 V LPKF AG

359 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Commands tab Click on the Commands tab in the Customization dialog to display the following view: Fig. 421: Extras > Customize > Commands The Commands tab allows you to customize the toolbars to your needs. When you click on a category the corresponding command lists are displayed. You can drag and drop the commands to the desired position in any toolbar. Thus you can have fast and easy access to frequently used functions in the toolbar. Example: Inserting the Polygon command into the toolbar 1. Click in Category on Insert. The corresponding command list is displayed. 2. Click in Command on Polygon. 3. Drag the mouse pointer with the left mouse button pressed to the desired position in the toolbar LPKF AG V

360 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 The mouse pointer is displayed as follows: Fig. 422: Inserting Polygon into the toolbar 1 /1/ Mouse pointer with the left mouse button pressed 4. Release the left mouse button. The Polygon icon is displayed at the desired position in the toolbar: Fig. 423: Polygon icon in toolbar 2 1 /1/ Separator in toolbar /2/ Polygon icon in toolbar 360 V LPKF AG

361 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Tip You can insert separators between the icons in the toolbar by using the [Separator] button and drag and drop. Click on [Separator] and drag the mouse pointer with the left mouse button pressed to the desired position in the toolbar. The Polygon command has been inserted into the toolbar. Toolbars tab Click on the Toolbars tab in the Customization dialog to display the following view: Fig. 424: Extras > Customize > Toolbars /1/ Activation of the toolbars /2/ [New ] - creates a new toolbar /3/ [Rename] - renames the selected toolbar /4/ [Delete] - deletes the selected toolbar /5/ [Close] - Closes the Customization dialog LPKF AG V

362 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM 2.1 Keyboard tab Click on the Keyboard tab in the Customization dialog to display the following view: Fig. 425: Extras > Customize > Keyboard /1/ Lists the menu items with their submenus and their assigned keyboard shortcuts /2/ [Assign] - assigns a new shortcut /3/ [Delete] - deletes the shortcut /4/ Description of the menu item currently selected in /1/ /5/ [Close] - Closes the Customization dialog. Options tab Click on the Options tab in the Customization dialog to display the following view: Fig. 426: Extras > Customize > Options /1/ Setting for the icon size /2/ Display mode of the toolbars (with/without text/icon) /3/ Activate/deactivate display of tooltips in toolbars /4/ Activate/deactivate display of keyboard shortcuts in tooltips /5/ [Close] - Closes the Customization dialog. 362 V LPKF AG

363 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM 5 Layouts tab Click on the Layouts tab in the Customization dialog to display the following view: Fig. 427: Extras > Customize > Layouts /1/ List of existing layouts /2/ [Save current] - saves the current layout under its current name /3/ [Rename] - saves the layout under a new name /4/ [Delete selected] - deletes the selected layout /5/ [Close] - closes the Customization dialog This view allows you to save the settings made in the other tabs under a new layout name. Note You can find the layouts at View > Layouts where you can switch to the desired screen layout LPKF AG V

364 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM Menu Help Fig. 428: Menu Help The menu Help provides information about the current software version. Click on the Help menu item to open the submenu: Table 76: Menu functions Help The following table provides a brief description of the menu item s functions: Menu item Help About System information Description Opens the CircuitPro PM offline help. Opens the dialog About this program that contains information about CircuitPro PM. Contains information about the computer that CircuitPro PM is installed on Help The menu item Help calls up the offline help of CircuitPro PM. 364 V LPKF AG

365 CircuitPro PM 2.1 How to work with CircuitPro PM About The menu item About contains information about the program. 1. Click on Help > About The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 429: About this program /1/ Program list including file name and version /2/ Button [License Contract] /3/ Button [Third party] /4/ Button [Copy Info] /5/ Button [Close] Click on [License Contract] to view the license contract. Click on [Third party] to view the list of third party licenses used by Circuit Pro PM. Click on [Copy Info] to copy the program list to the clipboard. Click on [Close] to close the dialog LPKF AG V

366 5 How to work with CircuitPro PM CircuitPro PM System information The menu item System information contains information about your computer. Click on Help > System information. The following dialog is displayed: Fig. 430: System information 366 V LPKF AG